This article is adapted from the Province of BC’s official new release and the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project website. Click here to read BC’s news release.
With the bridge deck connected and final paving underway, the new crossing that will replace the Pattullo Bridge has received its name from Kwantlen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band: stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge.
stal̕əw̓asəm can be understood in English as “a space where you can view the river” or “Riverview”. The name recognizes First Nations’ historical and current connections to the area. Former Musqueam Indian Reserve No. 1 and Kwantlen Indian Reserve No. 8 were in qiqéyt, an important village site near the base of the bridge in Surrey.
While an English translation of the bridge name is provided, learning and using the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name is encouraged. It is an opportunity to honour and celebrate Indigenous language and culture, support language revitalization, and demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation.
To learn how to pronounce stal̕əw̓asəm, watch the video below and visit the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project website.
“stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is more than just a name. It acknowledges the history of these lands, and represents the preservation of culture and language,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This new bridge is going to transform the region’s transportation network, support people and businesses in the region, and strengthen B.C.’s economy for generations.”
This also marks a major milestone as traffic will begin shifting to the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge from the Pattullo Bridge in phases over the coming weeks as final works wrap. The new bridge includes four wider lanes with a centre median, and barrier-separated walking and cycling lanes. This means people, vehicles and transport trucks can travel between New Westminster and Surrey faster and more safely. Road signage will include both the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ name and English translation.
“A traditional name is not bestowed lightly and carries reminders and responsibilities,” said Chief Marilyn Gabriel, Kwantlen First Nation. “With the new name, we honour our past, present and future, and the importance of this area to both Kwantlen and Musqueam. We also reflect on our long-standing connections to sacred lands and resources on both sides of the bridge crossing and stal̕əw̓ (Fraser River). The name reminds us that with many connections shared in this area, we all are responsible to honour and uphold its well-being and generosity it has provided for countless generations.”
As a part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation, Coast Salish artwork, featuring themes of kinship-based trade, transportation and intergenerational connection, is being integrated into project elements on and around the new bridge. This artwork reflects the threads of kinship that have woven First Nations communities together since time immemorial. Storytelling, language and educational signage will recognize the culture, history, and continued stewardship of the land and waters along this section of the Fraser River.
“This new bridge being named stal̕əw̓asəm is a major milestone for hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ revitalization. It demonstrates the Province of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation through acknowledging the true history of the lands and water where the bridge stands,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band.
“Musqueam is grateful to the many years of collaborative work that was undertaken with the Province of B.C. and our relatives at Kwantlen First Nation to reach this historic day.”
Traffic will be switched onto the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge from the old Pattullo Bridge in phases to allow for completion of the tie-ins to the roadways on either side. On opening day, a single lane of northbound traffic will exit to eastbound East Columbia via the new off ramp.
The new bridge optimizes the use of the existing road network and travel patterns to improve safety and reliability for everyone. It has also been designed to meet modern seismic, structural and roadway design standards.
Learn More:
Musqueam Language & Culture Department: https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/departments/community-services/language/
Pattullo Bridge Replacement First Nations Cultural Recognition Program, including bridge name pronunciation guides: https://www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/bridge-name/
Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project traffic-shift phasing information: https://www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/construction/bridge-opening/
Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, including existing bridge demolition information: https://www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/
