UVic unveils new lək̓ʷəŋən names for student housing, dining buildings

Two student housing and dining buildings at the University of Victory have received lək̓ʷəŋən names: Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ (Cheko’nien House), which means “Village of Big Fire,” and Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House), which means “snow patches.” The names reflect the lək̓ʷəŋən village sites that were on the same land that the university currently sits on and the surrounding area. “The building names will be a constant reminder of the history of these lands and will hopefully inspire critical reflections and educational opportunities for the campus community,” said UVic VP Indigenous Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas. The lək̓ʷəŋən names were shared by Elder Dr Elmer Seniemten George, one of the last fluent speakers of the language, and revealed after a consultation process between the university and Chiefs and Councils, Elders, and community members.