Parkin’s design team – Cameron Shantz (Director), Shane Czypyha (Principal), and Melinda Lobo (Associate) were deeply honoured to attend the name revealing ceremony for the new Cowichan District Hospital. Emceed by Stuart Pagaduan, the event brought together community members, Elders, and project partners to celebrate the unveiling of the hospital’s new name — Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw, meaning, “Cowichan place of giving life.” The Hul’q ‘umi’num’ name will be paired with the English name, Quw ‘utsun Valley Hospital. Speakers shared the story, language, and meaning behind the name, guiding everyone in its proper pronunciation. The ceremony concluded with a powerful performance by the Quw’utsun Smun’eem Dance Group, who led the gathering through The Guardian, The Bird Song, and The Coming Home Song.
We are profoundly grateful to have witnessed this meaningful milestone and to continue supporting a project that honours Quw’utsun culture, language, and healing.
To learn the story for the new hospital name, see the videos and practice pronouncing the new Hul’q’umi’num’ name, visit www.islandhealth.ca/newcdh/newname