Decolonizing names

Prince Rupert, BC

My friend Crystal Sutherland, my partner in doing a whole bunch of work with Aboriginal youth, has legally changed her name. She is now using two hereditary names from her Ahousaht ancestors: Pawaskwachitl Haiyupis. We just call her Pawa for short!

These are Nuu-Chah-Nulth names. Pawaskwachitl was a name of one of her grandmothers, and it has a powerful translation “she gives in the feast like bees coming out a hive.” That’s an outstanding description of the kind of leader she is becoming.

When I was in New Zealand last year, I was amazed and awed at how many Maori people use their traditional names. Reclaiming names is a powerful statement of identity and I extend my congratulations to Pawa for the courage to stand up and do it.