Renaming marks step in reconciliation for qathet animal centre

The renaming for BC SPCA-Powell River has been in the works as part of a reconciliation journey with Tla'amin Nation. On May 15, the community gathered outside the Duncan Street location for a ceremony and unveiling of a sign with a new name: qathet Community Animal Centre.

Tla'amin representative Drew Blaney and elder Randolph Timothy Senior opened the ceremony with a prayer and drumming. Blaney talked about the long history and deep connection Tla'amin has with animals. A significant part of Tla'amin creation stories include the idea that Tla'amin people are connected to dogs, specifically the 11 Dog Children as their first ancestors. 

BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell spoke next and said, "People and the planet are closely intertwined, and our animal welfare, human health, social support and environmental stewardship must be connected. This shift in understanding has already begun at the BC SPCA and is starting to show in our work programs, like a pet food bank and an emergency boarding program, to ensure families, including pets, can stay together during difficult times."

Daniell acknowledged that the relationship between Indigenous peoples in Canada and colonial authorities such as policing, and even within animal enforcement agencies, has not always been a good one. 

"Indigenous relationships with animals based on kinship, reciprocity and respect have historically been misunderstood and even dismissed in conversations around animal welfare and management to truly see a world where animals and people are thriving together; all of our communities need to be reflected in these conversations," added Daniell. "So therefore, we are honoured to have been given permission to use the name qathet for our animal centre, and to be taking this important step towards reconciliation; we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Tla'amin."

Tla'amin executive council member Losa Luaifoa said the SPCA has a long-standing reputation for standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. 

"That spirit of compassion and advocacy has earned trust in our region, but like many institutions, the SPCA has not always had a positive relationship with Indigenous communities, including Tla'amin," said Luaifoa. "qathet means ‘working together’ in ayajuthem; it's an inspirational name, one that points us forward toward partnership, toward healing, and toward a new kind of relationship rooted in mutual respect."

The local SPCA is the 49th business in qathet to change its name as a gesture toward reconciliation.

Animal centre manager Tara Daniels said she wanted to highlight that the renaming process allowed her the opportunity to meet and build relationships with many folks.

"I met Indigenous artist John Whale in Prince Rupert when I was covering a centre manager at the time, who created the beautiful illustration behind me," said Daniels, at the ceremony. "What I loved about my time spent with John was just listening to how he came to create such a beautiful home, and we talked about how important our families were."

Following the ceremony people were invited to an open house, a facility tour, pet microchip scanning, and opportunities to engage with animal protection and animal control teams.

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