What’s in a name?
A change is taking place at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt.
“On behalf of the provincial government, we’re very pleased that the proposal to rename St. Mary’s as Sechelt Hospital has been successful,” says Health Minister Terry Lake. “This change, as well as the opportunity to use the traditional shíshálh name, has deep significance to members of the Sechelt Nation and support from the local community.”
After 83 years and intensive consultation with the public, stakeholders and the Sechelt Nation, VCH has decided to make the change.
“We recognize that some people will be sad at changing a name that has been associated with the local hospital for several decades, which is why we waited to officially announce the new name until we completed all the required processes,” says Lauren Tindall, VCH director of the Sunshine Coast. “This is a wonderful opportunity to connect the hospital more closely to the community where it sits and improve safety by making it easier for the many visitors, residents and outside health care providers to find it.”
Tindall adds that along with the use of the traditional shíshálh name on signage, VCH will also recognize the valuable contribution of the hospital auxiliary, foundation and church in the hospital’s history through a display in the lobby. The name – Sechelt Hospital – serves as a geographic identifier, making it easier for residents, visitors and outside health care providers to find it.
In the spirit of reconciliation
The decision to officially change the name from St. Mary’s Hospital—the only hospital in Canada with a denominational name that has no denominational support or governance—arose after the opening of the newly renovated facility in late 2013. The Sechelt Nation asked VCH to consider renaming the hospital in the spirit of reconciliation and to remove a name with links to the residential school system.
Many members of the community and several stakeholders supported the name change, which will officially take place in ceremonies later this month. Signage and other identifiers will be updated over the coming months.
In the name of tradition
VCH, in recognition of the historic role the Sechelt Nation played in the location of the current hospital, has agreed that the traditional name—shíshálh—will also be used on signage and in other circumstances as appropriate.
Moving forward for staff
Although the new name – Sechelt Hospital – may now be used, it is anticipated the complete transition from St. Mary’s Hospital will take some time. Letterhead and other forms with the name St. Mary’s Hospital will be used up before new letterhead is printed. Signage and other identifiers at Sechelt Hospital will be updated over the coming months and staff there can expect more information from their manager as we move to full use of Sechelt Hospital.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Tindall.
Terri Betts
This makes me very proud to be part of the Coastal team.
As someone who was born, grew up and still lives on the North Shore, something that truly impressed me in the Olympic year was the signage on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, where the traditional Squamish place names were prominent alongside the English.
Using the traditional shishalh name on signage for the new hospital in Sechelt recognizes and helps preserve the language & culture of those who were here before us, and is true to the spirit of reconciliation.
Well done!
Maria Tindalll
A very wise choice considering the location and its heritage.
Linda Harris
Congratulations, this is a giant step forward.
All my relations, Linda Harris
John Carsley
Great news! It seems more than fitting to give the hospital a name that reflects both its location and the generous gift from the Sechelt peoples decades ago, when they were still being forced to drink so deeply from the bitterest of colonialist cups.