Did You Know? Our Stage Has a Name! - Bowen Island Municipality

Sp’áḵw’us Gathering Stage is the official name of the stage shared by the Bowen Island Library and The Hearth Gallery, and is the name used to refer to this Municipally owned space here on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island).

Wooden and concrete stage between Bowen library and Hearth art gallery, with bench at the back, ramp behind, and steps in front. Eagle carving with outspread wings hangs above stage. Trees and marina in background. — **Sp’áḵw’us Gathering Stage** is the official name of the stage shared by the Bowen Island Library and The Hearth Gallery.

This name was given by Squamish Nation Language and Cultural Affairs to Bowen Library and the Hearth Arts on Bowen in September 2024. Sp’áḵw’us is Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language) for adult bald eagle, and connects to the beautiful eagle carving by Winadzi James that graces the front of the stage.

We are proud to have a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim name for our public outdoor stage to acknowledge the land we are on and the people who are the original caretakers and stewards of this land.

If you are looking for the proper spelling at any time, it is listed on the Spaces to Work & Meet page on the Bowen Island Library website. You can hear the pronunciation of Sp’áḵw’us here.