BC Ferries has held a naming ceremony for its newest Island-class vessel, Island sarlequun.
The ferry arrived in Victoria this week after travelling from the shipyard where it was built in Romania.
Sarlequun means “people at Nanaimo Harbour,” and the name was gifted by Snuneymuxw First Nation.
“We are honoured to see the name sarlequun carried by this vessel as it travels through the heart of our territories,” said Chief Mike Wyse, Xum’silum, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “We appreciate BC Ferries’ commitment to building a relationship grounded in respect, recognition, and meaningful action. We support this launch based on a clear understanding of the rights enshrined in our Snuneymuxw Sarlequun Treaty of 1854. On behalf of Snuneymuxw First Nation, we extend our well wishes for safe passage to all those who journey across sacred waters aboard sarlequun.”
The new vessel will serve the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island route. It is the second of four hybrid-electric Island-class ferries expected to enter service over the next year.
“This vessel has travelled a long way to reach British Columbia, and today it begins a new chapter,” said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries. “We are grateful to Snuneymuxw First Nation for gifting the name sarlequun. It connects this vessel to the people and place it is expected to serve, and we recognize the importance of carrying it with respect.”
Island sarlequun is expected to enter service in the coming weeks and will replace Island Gwawis, which will be redeployed to the Crofton-Vesuvius Bay route next year.
