BC Ferries has four hybrid-electric Island Class ferries arriving between spring of 2026 and summer 2027 – two of which will be assigned to sail the Gabriola-Nanaimo Harbour route, inside Snuneymuxw First Nation territory. BC Ferries Graphic.
Sounder News
BC Ferries released a statement on November 25 stating that the company is honoured to announce that two new Island Class vessels will carry names gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation in the hul’q’umi’num’ language.
Both names are deeply rooted in the Nation’s connection to the lands and waters of their territory.
The names honour Snuneymuxw villages, marine areas, important history and the ongoing responsibilities Snuneymuxw holds to the land and all those connected to the territory. The naming of these vessels is a part of a valued collaboration between BC Ferries and Snuneymuxw First Nation. The names will serve as visible recognition of the Nation’s presence and way of being.
The first vessel will be named Island xwsaĺux̌ul —pronounced Xwus-wol-ox-wutl—meaning Grassy Place. This name carries deep significance, as the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 was signed at xwsaĺux̌ul.
The second vessel will be named Island sarlequun—pronounced Sar-le-kwun—honouring the revered first peoples of Snuneymuxw.
“hul’q’umi’num’ is a powerful force within Snuneymuxw territory, carrying the knowledge of our ancestors and the spirit of the land. The names we are gifting hold immense strength and offer a sense of belonging to all who board and sail these new vessels. We look forward to expanding our collaborative efforts with BC Ferries, recognizing that this is just one part of our shared commitment to meaningful partnership,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation.
To support learning and pronunciation of the vessel names, audio recordings provided by Snuneymuxw First Nation are now available on the BC Ferries website.
“These names are a powerful symbol of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s inherent rights and enduring presence within their territory. It is a privilege to incorporate them into our fleet,” said Nicolas Jimenez, President & CEO at BC Ferries.
According to BC Ferries staff, Island xwsaĺux̌ul and the Island sarlequun, are currently forecast to start service by Summer 2026 on Route 19 between Nanaimo Harbour and Gabriola Island.
New Island Class ferries named by We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations
On the same day BC Ferries announced the names for the new Gabriola ferries, the company also announced the other two new Island Class vessels will be named in the Kwak’wala language of the We Wai Kai and We Wai Kum Nations. These new hybrid-electric vessels are expected to enter service on Route 23 between Campbell River and Quadra Island by 2027.
The names were gifted by the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations in recognition of their deep-rooted connections to the marine environment. They embrace BC Ferries’ ongoing commitment to building relationships with coastal First Nations. BC Ferries recognizes and celebrates the culture of coastal First Nations on vessels and in terminals.
The first vessel will be named Island Gwa’yam—pronounced Gwuh-yum—meaning Whale in the Kwak’wala language. This name was generously gifted by the We Wai Kai Nation, specifically chosen because whales are powerful symbols of family that have recently returned to these waters.
“Naming this vessel ‘Gwa’yam’ is a deep honor for our people. It reflects our connection to the sea, and the importance of preserving our language and traditions” said We Wai Kai Chief Councillor Ronnie Chickite. “By working with BC Ferries, we ensure that our stories and culture are carried forward for future generations, strengthening the bond between our communities and the waters that sustain us.”
The second vessel will carry the name Island K’asa—pronounced KAH-sah—meaning Otter in the Kwak’wala language. This name was graciously offered by the Wei Wai Kum Nation, specifically chosen because the otter is a powerful guardian spirit who can navigate between the spirit and human world. These family-oriented, playful beings are a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.
“As elected Chief of the Wei Wai Kum Nation, I am appreciative of the BC Ferries team for working with our knowledgeable Elders, holding three individual meetings for the choosing of this name,” shared Wei Wai Kum Chief Christopher Roberts. “This name chosen from our language will be represented on the ferries that will be sailing in our waters. This shows BC Ferries’ commitment to reconciliation. We are honored to have these special names be commemorated and to be shared for all to enjoy.”
These names carry profound meaning, representing significant figures in the natural world that are woven into the Nations’ history and teachings. Audio recordings provided by the Nations are now available on the BC Ferries website to ensure proper pronunciation and create opportunities for deeper learning and engagement.
“BC Ferries is sincerely grateful to the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations for gifting these meaningful names. We appreciate this opportunity to honour and amplify their language and culture on our vessels in such a meaningful way,” said Jimenez.
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