Hello ETEC 521,
This blog post is about the name change from the settler known area “Queen Charlotte Islands” back to the Indigenous name of “Haida Gwaii”.
This article is important because it demonstrates the power and connection of land, language, rights and governance. I was reminded of this event while reading about the “Fishing Wars”. This name change is a clear demonstration of how settler power changed and overtook the landscape, while Indigneous communities (specifically the Haida in this instance) are fighting to get that language, space and power back.
I am hoping, with continued restorations, this will help Haida language and community flourish in that area. The more we use the proper language, the more we are able to acknowledge the communities that already existed before our own, acknowledge Indigenous rights and history and acknowledge Indigenous communities as legitimate, empowered peoples that occupy and have ownership over space and language.
Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/daajing-giids-queen-charlotte-renamed-1.6456473