Language & Grammar

Overview

Using gifted Indigenous place names is one way to respect and honour the Indigenous languages and histories connected to the places where SFU is located. When choosing to use a gifted Indigenous place name, follow the guidelines below to ensure the name is represented accurately and respectfully.

• Refer to the Reconciliation website for context, accurate names, pronunciation guides.
• Respect original spellings, including unique characters, diacritics and character combinations.
• Be consistent in usage across communications and use both names.
• Add additional context where possible, e.g. link to the Reconciliation website.
• Find tips for typing Indigenous language in this IT knowledge base article and this brand typography support page.

Order

Always position hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ first and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh second separated by a slash. This order is appropriate because more SFU Burnaby campus Host Nations speak hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (3) than Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (1). Include a space on either side of the slash for readability.

Examples:

• sƛ̓exənew̓txʷ / Tl’e7enḵáw̓txw

Always use both languages.

When using Indigenous names, state the English name afterwards, following a comma, until audience is familiar with Indigenous names. Do not place English names in parenthesis; doing so can unintentionally suggest that Indigenous names are direct translations rather than a co-existing official names.

Examples:

• Today I visited spən̓əm / Npen̓em̓áy, Indigenous Garden, for quiet reflection.

Subsequent Mentions

Use either Indigenous language or English depending on context. Wherever possible prefer Indigenous name.

Examples:

• Stop by spən̓əm / Npen̓em̓áy on your next visit to SFU.