Система общественного транспорта на Западном побережье получила национальную награду за интеграцию индейских языков

A West Coast Transit system is being recognized nationally for putting Indigenous language and culture at the centre of its service. The West Coast Transit system route, which includes Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ community of hitaću, and the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ communities of Esowista and Ty-histanis, received a Canadian Urban Transit Association Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award for its inclusive launch. A key part of the project was the inclusion of Nuu-chah-nulth language on all 36 bus stop signs – the first time a BC Transit system has incorporated the language across its bus stop signage. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, BC Transit and Watt Consulting worked with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) throughout the planning and development of the service, including decisions about service levels, bus stop locations and signage. “We worked closely with members of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ and ƛaʔuukwiʔatḥ on every aspect of this new service – from service levels to bus stop locations,” said John Jack, chair of the ACRD Board of Directors in a release. “So, when it came to signage and bus stop names, it was important to keep that momentum going and ensure the inclusion of their culture and language.” BC Transit supported the initiative to feature Nuu-chah-nulth on the signs throughout the system. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government President Charles McCarthy said the Nation was pleased to be involved in the planning process and to see its language incorporated into the new system. “The overall result shows what can be achieved when our governments come together collectively for the benefit of the whole West Coast,” McCarthy said. He added that a lack of reliable transportation affects communities across the region, and said the new service is a step toward addressing limited transit options. The ACRD originally launched West Coast Transit independently in April 2024. BC Transit took over operation of the system in March 2025. The transition to a BC Transit-led service included continued collaboration with communities throughout the region. Because the system operates within Nuu-chah-nulth territories, the ACRD said it was important that Indigenous voices, culture and language remained central to the project. The CUTA award recognizes the work of organizations and individuals advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s public transit sector. READ ALSO: West Coast system will be first BC Transit route to offer direct access to National Parks