History and Future of Siwash Rock

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Located between Third Beach, Prospect Point and the Lions Gate Bridge stands the abstract-looking basalt stone known as Siwash Rock. This peculiar shaped boulder was created as a result of a volcanic dyke which formed millions of years ago within the mudstone and sandstone foundation of the park. This occurrence forced scalding hot magma upwards through a crack in the surface, resulting in a basalt rock, that is significantly tougher than the nearby rock cliffs.

However, long before the scientific explanation for this phenomenon, the Squamish First Nations had their own historical account of how the stone came to be. It was said that thousands of years ago a chief named Skalsh and his wife swam in the Burrard Narrows the night before their first child was to be born in order to purify themselves, as was custom at the time. Even after his wife had retreated to the forest, Skalsh continued to swim and thus was challenged by the gods to stop and to make way for their holy canoe. However, Skalsh persisted and as he swam back to shore at dawn he was transformed into a stone to commemorate his bravery and commitment to his family. The rock is said to be a symbol of a dedicated and clean fatherhood, and in honor of the man, the Squamish peoples named this monument Skalsh. This rock is still seen as an important cultural symbol to the Squamish, Tsleil- Wautut and Musqueam nations and will remain as a permanent sign of their values around family. 


The Chinook language was a combination of French, English, and Indigenous languages, which was learned by European settlers. As a result of colonization, the name Siwash Rock, Siwash being a Chinook word meaning "savage", was given to the stone by settlers, which originated from the French word "sauvage". Specifically in a 1935 Barman's Chinook dictionary, the word Siwash translated to "Indian or aboriginal, a savage." Although the name carries ongoing disrespect directed towards the Indigenous peoples, it also symbolizes the history of the Chinook language, and the role this language played in allowing individuals of different cultures to communicate and share a language in common.

 The Vancouver park board has been discussing about a possible name change since 2015. It was officially proposed in 2017 and the park board unanimously worked with representatives from three different First Nations representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil- Wautut nations. One of the three Coast Salish First Nations approved to rename the rock, Slhx̱í7lsh, or "standing man," in the Squamish language.  Today, Siwash Rock is a popular destination for locals and tourist when they are walking or biking along the Seawall path.


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