Sywash Derogatory?

[Peter Cawley]

Living in Lantzville on central Vancouver Island, I have noticed the
occasional Chinook Jargon place name. Two of the foothills that overlook
the village of Lantzville are named Hyas Ridge and Sywash Ridge. A road
called Sywash Ridge Crescent runs across the ridge.

In the January issue of  "The Lantzville Log: Lantzville's Community
Monthly", a letter writer took issue with the use of the word "Sywash" as a
street name. She wrote:
"Sywash is a Chinook Jargon Trade word meaning savage, a derogatory name
refering to the indigenous people of Canada and in the same category a
"nigger, kike,  wop, kraut or chink". I cannot imagine anyone in Lantzville
including these offensive words in their vocabulary, never mind using them
in street names. I can only conclude the citizens of Lantzville do not know
the meaning of the word Siwash and therefore do not realize the racist slur
and gross insult incorporated into their community plan. I can only hope
that, with the benefit of knowledge, the street name wil be changed on that
lovely ridge to something truly reflective of its beauty and location".

Any comments?

Peter Cawley
pcawley at island.net

Peter Cawley
pcawley at island.net