Hello First name / friend,
I have to preface today's email with a note that I have triggered one of my post-concussive headaches. I'm struggling to finish off the writing, so it will be short today and forgive me any errors and issues of flow!
Last week I went for a bike ride* at Seal Bay Nature Park, which is within the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. I often walk or run the trails here but biking required me to have a closer look at navigating the park. The signage in the park was changed in 2020 in collaboration with the K’ómoks people to highlight the cultural heritage of this place. The maps now feature names in both English and the traditional Coast Salish ay̓aǰuθəm language and they reflect the animals, trees and plants and culture.
I read that the K’ómoks people refer to this area as, “Xwee Xwhya Luq (pronounced Zway Why Luck), meaning ‘a place that has beauty, beauty that is not only seen but also felt’ ”. I really appreciate learning this name and meaning, as it resonates with my experiences of this land. I feel grounded, connected and peaceful in this place. Those of you who've been reading these emails for a few weeks, or have taken courses with me will have seen the park featured in some of my photos and footage 😊 .
