The mountain looms over Squamish but rarely receives a second thought. How many communities have such a spectacular geographic feature as Nch’kay/Mount Garibaldi?
Other than the small plaque on the highway, there is little recognition beyond the many local businesses that use the Garibaldi name. We celebrate The Chief, Smoke Bluffs, Shannon Falls and the Squamish River Estuary but not Garibaldi. There is no information signage for our visitors to understand this major feature. Nch’kay, the Squamish Nation name, is mostly unknown. Is this a lost heritage and tourism opportunity? I believe it is.
As part of the coastal volcano chain, this mountain presents many layers of interest and it is in our backyard. What might recognition bring? Many consider Giuseppe Garibaldi, an example of world-class leadership of which the world is currently in need. His birthday is July 4 and offers a tourism window from Canada Day to July 4th.
Nch’kay Garibaldi Mountain Festival, as in Logger’s Sports or Beer Fest or Eagle Watch, could become a keystone event. In 2004, there was a local Garibaldi Festival celebration, but it never happened again.
This first event included food, music, wine and a picnic in the park. Representatives from the Vancouver Italian Consulate were invited, and the highway plaque was rededicated. A bocce tournament was held. The Library displayed Garibaldi information and a screening of Italian films plus a talk about Garibaldi’s life and achievements.
Could such an event happen again? If there was interest, so many innovative activities could happen.
The Squamish Nation might renew interest in reclaiming their name and significance. Adding to their language. celebration of this mountain can offer deeper knowledge, respect and relationship among all Squamish citizens.
Visitors will no longer wonder what that mountain is and why Squamish seems not to care about the incredible feature as new historical, geographical and cultural signage is installed in the downtown.
Local food and beverage businesses can build their offerings to help host a variety of related food events. Pancake breakfasts could also become Spaghetti and meatball feasts. Local businesses can offer 10% off if a person can demonstrate they have an Italian name!
The art and culture societies can host music, art displays and lectures on the mountain festival theme of the event.
Quest University might host a world conference on Leadership – goodness knows the world needs better leadership during these trying times. Like the Banff Centre, Quest can build a new program devoted to leadership with Garibaldi’s international accomplishments underpinning the content.
One must ask, why Squamish, striving to become a multi-faceted tourism mecca, has not made this amazing mountain and international person into an economic tourism opportunity?
No, and right, we did not ask for an Italian name for our mountain. Yet, this is what we have. Rather than lemonade, we can invite tourist to join us to make pizza and lasagna and drink red wine during a Nch’kay Garibaldi Festival each July 4th.
Larry Murray is a long-time resident of Squamish