Vancouver renames Trutch Street to šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm, the city’s first legally named street in a First Nations language, as part of reconciliation efforts.
Street Renamed to Reflect Indigenous Identity
On Tuesday morning, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to rename Trutch Street—an 18-block residential street in Kitsilano—to šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm Street, which translates to Musqueamview Street in English. The change marks a historic first: Vancouver’s first legal street name in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm, the traditional language of the Musqueam people.
Why the Change Was Made
The street was originally named after Joseph Trutch, British Columbia’s first lieutenant governor, whose legacy includes deeply racist and damaging policies toward Indigenous communities. Trutch significantly reduced the size of First Nations reserves—by up to 91% in some cases—and referred to Indigenous peoples as “savages” in correspondence with Prime Minister John A. Macdonald.
Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band called the renaming a necessary step toward educating the public on these historical injustices. “We have to teach them of the wrongdoing and the reasons why,” he said.
Community Response Mixed but Respectful
While the council’s decision passed without opposition, some Trutch Street residents expressed concerns, particularly around the usability of the new name in daily life.
“There’s no way for us to input this on our cell phones or call services,” one resident said during public remarks. In response, the city confirmed that English translations—Musqueamview Street—will appear alongside the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm name on all signage. Residents will be allowed to use either version for addressing and navigation purposes.
Reconciliation in Action
The name šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmasəm was formally gifted to the city by the Musqueam Nation as part of Vancouver’s broader reconciliation initiatives. The move has been praised by city leaders, including Green Party Councillor Pete Fry, who called it “a great renaming of a very controversial figure that caused a great deal of harm.”
The Musqueam reserve today covers only 2.75 square kilometres, despite traditional territory extending across nearly 1,500 square kilometres. The renaming acknowledges the long-standing contributions and presence of Indigenous peoples in the region.
What Comes Next
A ceremony to celebrate the renaming will take place on Friday, followed by the installation of new bilingual street signs. The City of Vancouver has worked with Canada Post, first responders, and other key services to ensure a smooth transition.
Chief Sparrow emphasized this is just one step on a longer road: “Slowly. Baby steps. But we’ll get there at the end of the day.”
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