New signage on Vancouver Island's Wild Pacific Trail honours Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ elders

New interpretive signs in Vancouver Island's Wild Pacific Trail aim to honour two Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ elders who made significant contributions to preserving language in the Ucluelet First Nation. 

Bob and Vi Mundy were known as active members of the community in Ucluelet, fostering many long-term friendships, said niece Jeneva Touchie. They both passed away last year. 

Touchie is the manager of language services with the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, and had a part in making the new interpretive signs along the Ancient Cedars section of the popular trail. 

"They were really strong culturally, they were longtime residents of Ucluelet and pioneers in guiding the nation in sharing knowledge," Touchie told CBC's On The Island.

Bob Mundy was one of the few fluent speakers of Nuučaan̓uɫ left in the community, while Vi helped develop the language's written form. The Mundys and Touchie worked together on road signs in Ucluelet, translating English to Nuučaan̓uɫ.

Touchie said a plaque and audio box that features Nuučaan̓uɫ can be found on the trail, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island.  

Powered by a hand crank, the audio box plays different messages in the language. 

"Language is important because we have so few fluent speakers that remain, it's really great to have a town that embraces having language around," Touchie said. "Even though many don't understand, it still allows us to feel that we're at home, in our space."

In a statement, Ucluelet Mayor Marilyn McEwen said the signs offer "a meaningful opportunity for both residents and visitors to connect more deeply with the land, its history, and the cultural knowledge that continues to shape it."

The Mundy family is happy with the memorial, said Touchie. 

"It's really nice to be able to honour them, and cherish all the knowledge they were so willing to share."