An Olympia city committee is asking for public feedback on changing the name of Priest Point Park to Squaxin Park or another name to be nominated by the Squaxin Island Tribe.
"A Native name for the park will reflect its deeper history and enduring cultural significance, and appropriately acknowledge the Tribe’s continued and valued presence in our community," said the city of Olympia in a press statement. The name would be "a reminder of the Steh-Chass people" who lived in the park prior to the arrival of white settlers here.
The Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing online on Thu., March 17 at 6 p.m. to hear public opinion on the proposed renaming.
Originally named after the Oblate priests who arrived in Olympia in 1848 and used the area as a mission, Priest Park has a long history of being a place used by many local Indian tribes, namely the Squaxin, Nisqually, Quinault, Puyallup, Chehalis, Suquamish and Duwamish, even before settlers arrived.
Changing the 314-acre park's name is related to the accord signed by the City of Olympia and the Squaxin Island Tribal Council Oct. 7 last year, acknowledging the First People of Olympia and their contributions to the community.
"The renaming of Priest Point Park aligns with the Accord and the City’s commitment to honor the Squaxin Island Tribe. The renaming to Squaxin Park will recognize the area as a place of importance to the past, present and future of the Tribe," the city's statement concluded.
Interested participants to the hearing can click here to register.
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Johns2cents
We're the Squaxins the first people or did the conquer the people who arrived before them?
Monday, March 7, 2022 Report this
JulesJames
I thought the historical trend was to tear down monuments to defeated slave-owning cultures. Pretty sure the priests didn't own slaves.
Monday, March 7, 2022 Report this
Larwine
To represent all tribes I think the name should be
SETTLERS COVE PARK
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Report this
wildnature
Excellent gesture. We owe the local Native American Tribes way more of course, for stealing this gorgeous bountiful area from them, when our ancestors were homeless Europeans. But this is a good step in recognizing that. Deepest thanks Native Americans, and City of Olympia and Parks and Recreation. Park signage explaining their ignored history would be an asset to go along with this renaming. I'm grateful for getting to live here in Olympia on Indian Land.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Report this
Cobbnaustic
I think these people are off there rockers.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Report this
Annierae
Wonderful idea! The tribes called a nearby natural feature "Cheet-woot" for its bear-like appearance. With tribal consultation, Cheet-woot Park might also be a good option.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Report this
DeaneTR
This proposal as per usual lacks meaningful consultation with local tribes. If we're going to honor the people who've always been here, rather than the colonizers who nearly wiped them out, we need to better understand their ways and traditions and the name needs to reflect those teachings. Calling it Squaxin Park sounds lazy and dismissive of their many teachings that could inspire future generations if more meaningful listening and understanding was put into the process.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Report this
olyhiker
I think we are getting kind of carried away with changing names. I think Priest Point Park is a perfectly good name and Squaxin can be used elsewhere. Put up a totem pole at the City Hall, perhaps.
Thursday, March 10, 2022 Report this