First Nations want Stanley Park to be changed to Xwayxway

What do you think about this? At first I thought it was ridiculous, but the more I think about it the less it bothers me.

They should just use two names to keep everybody happy.

 

Yeah ok, I can't even pronounce that even. I think both names since tourists are going to go "what the heck?" We all know it as Stanley Park...

If I had to vote yes or no.
I'd vote no on the changing of the name, I understand that it has meaning to it but at the same time. Yes, so the Islands are now Haida Gwaii, most people still know it as Queen Charlotte Islands. Especially for non-native English speakers it's quite hard to pronounce Xwayxway. Even for me who grew up speaking English and live in a complete white-washed family, it's hard to even think of a way to say that. Now think about tourists which is what Stanley Park lives on.

But if I had the choice of both, I'd pick to do both so both sides don't feel angry. Then again, one side is going to go, "It's unfair, it's unfair!" *rolls eyes

Interesting to read the comments of what people have to say.

 

I half agree, but recognition is important. It's a sign of respect, so I'm not against them emphasizing First Nations culture and renaming things.

The tricky point is how far they should take it.

IMO, I've gotten a little tired of how native art and culture is constantly shoved in our faces. There are First Nations statues and sculptures at our airports, tourist hotspots, etc. It's so omnipresent that it's sort of lost its meaning. It certainly doesn't represent Canada as it is. I feel that the Canadian population shares some of these sentiments, hence the harsh reaction toward the idea to rename Stanley Park.

I don't think it's appropriate to drop everything First Nations though.

 

Definitely agreed to that, but there's far too much special treatment given to the First Nations in Canada.

That I feel that they're pushing it at times yet if we all say, "No." It becomes some sort of misunderstood attack at them. Like someone said in the comments if you're reading them lol, Canada is known to be a multicultural country. It's not just the First Nations who are making it what it is, it's also us people who were immigrants or refugees who came to a new country. We also suffered from racism at times back then when Asians weren't accepted and looked down at by the Caucasian people. I know that many Canadian universities would give a full scholarship for people of First Nations relation to attend school, and accept them even if their average is below what's required.

Not to be a cold-hearted person but some special treatment is being used corruptively. It's hurtful to say this but if the government is giving you special privileges which are paid with other peoples' taxes. The least you can do is be thankful for that, not rub it in our face.

 

All those special treatment programs will have abusers... That's something unfortunate that can't be avoided. Same applies to any form of social assistance (welfare, low income housing).

I'd like to think that if it helps some people overcome adversity then it's worth it.

Truth is that there's a lot of disgusting stuff that went on in the past. When I was in high school, I know we didn't cover extensively (if at all) the abuses that happened in residential schools... and I seriously doubt that it's common knowledge. Even right now, conditions on reserves are crappy.

There's a disproportionately high rate of Aboriginals locked in, in poverty, doing drugs, on the street, etc. At least some of this is due to our country's past treatment...so special treatment doesn't hurt.

 

I know definitely that what happened in the past to them can't be compared to what happened to the Chinese with head taxes and racism. And like you said, "some" of this is due to your country's past treatment. Special treatment doesn't hurt until it's not even being used really, to what extent is it enough? How much is enough to finally get people back on their feet? If they truly feel that Stanley Park should be changed to Xwayxway, go ahead...why not change everything back to when things used to be?

If they had to vote whether or not they want to choose their past lifestyles, no way would they say yes. There's meaning but there's abuse, don't push a person's button too far. Just because their ancestors were tricked into trading alcohol back then...do you really think that it's our treatment that makes it what it is today? Does a person not learn from their past that if something isn't helping you then give it up. Addiction isn't a genetic thing.

 

There are actually a lot of genetic components to addiction...but in this case it's irrelevant so I won't get into it.

It's the environmental factors that contribute to increased rates of povery/addiction/etc. And a lot of these environmental factors are precisely due to how Canada treated them. The cycle of poverty is hard to break, change is slow, and that's why we see the effects now.

The connection between poverty, drug abuse and crime are all too well known. It's a vicious cycle that continues for generations.

It's easy to think in slippery slope terms when talking about these things. I don't think the current level of special treatment is out of hand.

 

It's definitely out of hand in comparison to how other ethnicities are handling things after how they've been treated as well.

 

I agree with a lot of you...that what's done's done. We shouldn't try to change little things like that. I think instead of changing the name of Stanley park, we should just educate others about the history of Stanley Park and give recognition to the First Nations. I mean we already given them so many privileges that they have asked for. For example, they get a good % of profit back from many things that the public don't even know about. They get free education etc and i think trying to help those who are troubled in their community shoudl be a bigger focus then changing the name of a park.

 

Unnecessary in my opinion...

 

I think this is ridiculous, I don't think we should have to change Stanley Parks name to make the natives happy. Everyone knows Stanley Park as it is, and it would only add more confusion for tourists.

 

In theory I support giving aboriginal peoples and others who were once oppressed recognition. But in practice it has too often transmogrified into p.c. mind-terrorism with all this "sensitivity" crap. We have had the Holocaust forced down our throats, and anyone who dares protest branded an anti-Semite. Then all this "African-American" business....they are not African-Americans. They are BLACK Americans.

I would totally support the aboriginals anger if the existing name either demeaned their race, or celebrated a historic figure who had wronged Native people. For example, asking the Cherokee people in the United States to stomach an Andrew Jackson Park would be as despicable as creating an Adolf Hitler Causeway near a Jewish area. But unless the Stanley it is named after was a man who did evil things to aboriginals or other races, I see no big deal with Stanley Park.

 

Just name it F--k A Duck Park, and tell the protesters on both sides to call it a day. Surely taxpayers' money can be spent on debating more practical issues.

 

I agree.

 

are you guys kidding me? that Indian name is Horrible, Dont they get enough S#$% already?