Renaming alone is symbolic, but paired with updated signage and educational materials, it directly counters cultural erasure. The 40% increase in school visits after Musqueam's renaming shows this isn't just symbolic—it drives real learning.

Seattle has already set precedents—Indigenous Peoples' Day and Discovery Park restitution—so this fits a clear pattern. The real risk is stopping short; Vancouver's renaming worked because it was followed by sustained tribal collaboration.

What about the cost of maintaining a new name nobody can pronounce?

This unlocks a powerful civic identity shift: every visitor to Kwaatab Park will encounter a name that invites curiosity about Coast Salish history, not a forgotten settler. It's a chance to turn a passive space into an active learning asset.

I hear the need for reconciliation, but changing a beloved park's name will spark real community pushback. A phased rollout—starting with dual signage for a transition period—could ease concerns while still honoring the Indigenous heritage.