Part of the Babine Mountain Range north of Smithers could be getting a new name.
That’s according to a letter to the Town of Smithers which was discussed during Tuesday’s (August 27th) council meeting.
The letter was from the BC Geographical Names Office and said the renaming had support from the Gitxsan Huwilp Government and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.
The proposed name for the range is Anlisinsxwhl Lik’i’nsxw which means grizzly bear mountain range in the Gitxsan language.
The first nation is also seeking to rename the Rocher Déboulé Range south of New Hazelton to Sdlkv’oodenax.
The new name has two meanings – big brother to the seven sisters range and stands alone mountain.
During the council meeting, Councilor Frank Wray mentioned a group he hopes will be consulted with about the change.
“The Lake Babine Nation has appeared to be in no way consulted on this,” he said.
“If the Babine Nation has embraced that name, it feels a little bit strange that they’re not being consulted.”
Included in the letter were which municipalities, first nations, and organizations were consulted.
Another concern Councilor Wray mentioned was that the new names don’t mention what they are for.
“If it was to be changed, maybe it says [Anlisinsxwhl Lik’i’nsxw] and then underneath formerly Babine Mountain Range so at least you know it’s for a mountain range,” he said.
Council voted to reply to the letter, requesting broader public engagement be considered, and that the current name for the ranges be added in brackets.
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