News brief: KPU renames Surrey Main building to Maple

KPU unveiled a new name on Sept. 12 for its Main building at the Surrey campus — Maple. The name change was officially announced during KPU’s annual Truth and Reconciliation flag-raising ceremony, and all signage on the campus has been updated. 

“The current name of Surrey Main translates to the ‘Big House,’ a term historically associated with the long house,” Gayle Bedard, associate vice-president of Indigenous leadership, wrote in an email statement to The Runner.

“Recognizing the significance of the Big House in First Nation culture, it was deemed appropriate to rename Surrey Main. This change ensures that KPU respects the cultural heritage of the nations and avoids any perception of cultural appropriation.” 

Maple trees hold a cultural and spiritual importance for Indigenous communities, Bedard wrote, adding that gathering sap and making maple syrup was a sacred tradition, often recognized by ceremonies and rituals. 

“These practices served to deepen the bond between the people and the land, highlighting their profound respect and connection to nature,” she wrote. 

Renaming the building during the Truth and Reconciliation flag-raising ceremony was crucial in demonstrating the university’s ongoing commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“This act served as a powerful symbol to the audience, reinforcing KPU’s dedication to reconciliation and honouring Indigenous communities,” Bedard wrote. 

Maple wasn’t the only name option, with Dogwood being the runner-up.

“The renaming did not take long, but this did require the QR code being changed to reflect the correct translation,” Bedard added.

The QR located on the name sign outside each building leads to an audio recording that plays a translation of the building name in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, which is the language spoken by people of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Tsawwassen, Kwikwetlem, and Musqueam First Nations — the unceded lands KPU’s campuses reside on. 

Bedard wrote the name change helps bring the university closer to not only the Kwantlen First Nation but all local nations. 

“The Indigenous Advisory Committee and Indigenous Student Services commend KPU for its continuous efforts to understand Canada’s true history, foster relationships with local Indigenous communities, and embody their commitment to ‘where thought meets action,’” Bedard wrote.

“This recognition highlights the importance of ongoing learning, collaboration, and meaningful action in the journey towards reconciliation and mutual respect.” 

Maple joins the tree family of building names at the Surrey campus — Cedar, Birch, Arbutus, Spruce, and Fir.