BC Ferries Introduces New Names Four New Island Ferries Coming To Sail In Vancouver Island Coast

 Cover Photograph Indigenous Relations, BC Ferries (Source: BC Ferries)

BC Ferries Finnaly Annouced Names for the New Ferries joining the Fleet ""Island Xwsaĺuxul", "Island Sarlequun" (Snuneymuxw First Nation), "Island Gwa’yam" (We Wai Kai Nation) & "Island K’asa" (We Wai Kum Nations)"

BC Ferries (Nov 25, 2025) (BC, Canada) via Newsroom: BC Ferries has announced "Names of Four Ferries Vessels" expected to come to Vancouver Island Coast in 2027. All of these names come from Indigenous roots, as two of them were gifted to BC Ferries by Snuneymuxw First Nations' in hul'q'umi'num' language and remaining ones were gifted by We Wai Kai & Wei Wai Kum First Nations in Kwak'wala language.  

Island Xwsaĺux̌ul (Pronounced Xwus-wol-ox-wut, meaning Grassy Place) & Island Sarlequun (Pronounced Sar-le-kwun, meaning Grassy Place) vessels are going to be sailing on the Route 19 "Nanaimo - Gabriola Island". Island Gwa’yam (Pronounced Gwuh-yum meaning Whale - Kwak'wala language) & Island K’asa (Pronouced KAH-sah meaning Otter - Kwak'wala language) are going to sailing on the Route 23 "Campbell River - Quadra Island". 

BC Ferries Salish Ocra Ship Vessel (Source: BC Ferries)

Snuneymuxw First Nation Names (Xwsaĺux̌ul & Sarlequun) honours the Snuneymuxw villages, marine areas as the names translates to Grassy Place, the important history and the ongoing responsibilities Snuneymuxw holds to the land and all those connected to the territory. These names also refers to the Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854 which was signed at xwsaluxul. This Step from BC Ferries to Name the New Vessels' in First Nations Language is visibly defined as a significant measure to collaborate and honor the Indigenous Lands and Territories. 

Chief Mike Wyse (Snuneymuxw First Nations), described this major advancement as, "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". 

Nicolas Jimenez (President & CEO, BC Ferries), defined this annoucement as, "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". He also added marking the naming of other two ferries as, "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." 

Chief Councillor Ronnie Chickite (We Wai Kai First Nations), "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. 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." 

Chief Christopher Roberts (Wei Wai Kum First Nations), "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. 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."

BC Ferries has already four vessels connecting the Vancouver island coastal sea service which tribute and refer to Sacred Names gifted from Coastal First Nations Community including Island Gwawis (Pronounced GWA-WIS), Island Kwigwis (Pronounced QUEE-WEASE), Island Nagalis (Pronounced NAH-GAH-LEASE), Island K'ulut'a (Pronounced Q-LUTA). Learn more about these Names and Listen to pronounciation at BC Ferries. 

Boats at the Coast of Cape Mudge Village, Pat Talbot Collection (Source: We Wai Kai Nation Gallery)

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About BC Ferries

BC Ferries is "Crown Corporation" operating in West Coast of British Columbia since, 1960 with 37 ferries sailing in 25 routes out of 47 terminals spread over 1,600 kilometres of coastline. With a vision to connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives. The corporation is operating under the BC Ferry Commissions since 2003.

Interested to work at BC Ferries, for Current Job roles Click here. More about BC Ferries can be found at BC Ferries Mediaroom, YouTube Channel or Official Website

About Snuneymuxw First Nations

Snuneymuxw First Nations is community of Coast Salish located at center of Coast Salish Territory (Region on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser River, Burrard Inlet and the Howe Sound). The Coast Salish Community dialects are Hul'qumi'num, Halq'eméylem, hən̓q̓əmin̓əm. The Communitys' one of most significant partnership in Timeline was "Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854" where British Crown & Indigenous Nation entered a Trade and Commerce negotiation to advance the Coast Salish region. 

Click here to learn more about Coast Salish & Snuneymuxw First Nation. Interested to work at Snuneymuxw First Nations, Click here to Explore Current Job Openings.  

About We Wai Kai Nations (Cape Mudge Band)

We Wai Kai Nations are described as a subgroup (part or canoes) of Laich-kwil-tach (spelled Liǧʷiłdaxʷ), based and located out of Quadra Island, Campbell River (Vancouver Island, British Columbia). The band name comed from Chief Way Key.  The We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge Band) current population is approximately 1200 Citizens, about 1/2 live on reserve (split between Cape Mudge Village and Quinsam Reserve), and the other 1/2 live off reserve. 

Click here to learn more about We Wai Kai Nations. Read about the The Great Flood Story (Chief Way Key) Interested to work at We Wai Kai Nations, Click here to Explore Current Job Openings.  

About We Wai Kum Nations

We Wai Kum Nations are described as other major subgroup community  (part or canoes) of Laich-kwil-tach (spelled Liǧʷiłdaxʷ), based out of Johnstone Strait (Vancouver Island, British Columbia). The Ligʷiłdaxʷ are the southernmost group of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations which have historically occupied the central-to-north Vancouver Island, adjacent mainland inlets (Seymour, Smith, Kingcome, Knight, and Loughborough Inlets) and inside passage areas. The Ligʷiłdaxʷ speak a slightly different dialect (Lekwila) from the predominant Kwakwa’la of the Nations to the North. The Territories that belongs to the Wei Wai Kum are Loughborough Inlet in its entirety, Greene Point (outside the mouth of Loughborough) and the Tyee Spit at Campbell River known as Glamatoo.

Click here to read more about We Wai Kum Nations. Interested to work at We Wai Kum Nations, Click here to Explore Current Job Openings.