Route 20 Vessel Returns with a New Name

On December 9, after the completion of the scheduled refit, the Chemainus-Thetis-Penelakut route will see the return of its regular vessel and schedule, with a notable name change.

On December 1, BC ferries along with Penelakut Tribe, held a renaming ceremony at the Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria. BC Ferries renamed its motor vessel Kuper to Pune’luxutth, honouring Indigenous heritage.

Pune’luxutth is the Hul’qumi’num’ word for Penelakut and was the name chosen by the Penelakut Tribe. The previous name of the vessel, Kuper, was widely associated with the former residential school of the same name, cultural assimilation and painful history.

Penelakut Tribe Councillor, Josh James explains, “Penelakut Tribe is relieved to see the removal of the colonial name Kuper; furthermore, we are proud to see the use of our Hul’qumi’num language. We look forward to continue building our relationship with BC Ferries.

Nicolas Jimenez, President and CEO of BC Ferries adds that “by renaming our vessel to a name that acknowledges and honours Indigenous heritage, we aim to foster mutually respectful relationships and move forward with the Indigenous communities we serve in a positive and meaningful way. It demonstrates our commitment to acknowledging past wrongs and correcting hurtful historical naming where we can.”

The vessel has been serving the Chemainus-Thetis-Penelakut route since 2007 and over the past few months has been in its five-year dry-docking and refit. Some of the projects conducted during the refit include an overhaul of main engines, right angle drive units, generators and deck machinery, recertification of safety equipment, and cleaning and painting the ship. This is where it also went through the process of a name change.

In recognition of the name change, BC Ferries will be offering complimentary fares and cookies at the Chemainus ticket booth throughout the day on December 9. We thank our passengers for your patience while the vessel has been in refit.