In 2022, W̱SÁNEĆ, in partnership with the District of Saanich, restored the name of Mt. Doug Park to PKOLS and dedicated a sign placed at the summit. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a proper ceremony and celebration of this important work were not held, leaving the process incomplete.

A celebration and ceremony were planned to be held on February 11, 2025, the 173rd anniversary of the signing of the North and South W̱SÁNEĆ Douglas Treaty, however, this event had to be postponed due to weather and safety concerns.

The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council is pleased to announce that this important celebration has now been rescheduled! W̱SÁNEĆ Members are invited to join us on July 2nd from 10:30am – 1:00pm for the PKOLS Naming Celebration Ceremony & Sign Rededication. Park your vehicle at the Mt. Doug Beach Parking Lot and a shuttle service will take you from there up to the summit. Together, we will celebrate the restoration of the name PKOLS on the mountain and rededicate the sign, which was originally created by the late Charles Elliott, and is now being restored by his son, Chaz Elliott, and Mathew Parlby.

Agenda

10:30 – Arrivals
11:00 – Speaker Opening & Witnesses
11:30 – Prayer & Celebration Songs
11:45 – Speeches
12:00 – Rededication
12:15 – Closing Remarks
12:30 – Drumming & Refreshments

The name PKOLS is interpreted as “White Rock” or “White Head,” referring to the creation story. It holds significant historical and cultural meaning for the W̱SÁNEĆ people, as it was a site of important gatherings, negotiations, and ceremonies.