*HUBBUB 26 Winner People’s Choice Award: Project that is most scalable or replicable and Tied for most responsive to the project question.*

This co-design project explores how design can support Indigenous-led place renaming initiatives in Vancouver by addressing gaps in public understanding, pronunciation and everyday visibility of Indigenous languages. While the City of Vancouver continues its work toward reconciliation with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, many residents and newcomers lack accessible entry points to meaningfully engage with Indigenous place names and their cultural significance. This creates a disconnect between policy intentions and lived public experience.

In response, our project develops a pocket-sized, zine that acts as an approachable language and cultural learning tool. Designed for ease of access and portability, the zine introduces users to key words, pronunciations and place-based knowledge from Halkomelem and Squamish languages. Through phonetic guides, storytelling elements and visual design, it encourages users to “start with one word” and build familiarity over time. By situating language within everyday locations and experiences, the project supports informal, self-guided learning in public space. This work aligns with the City of Vancouver’s broader goals of advancing reconciliation, strengthening cultural visibility and fostering inclusive public spaces that support belonging and intergenerational connection. Our approach emphasizes small, repeatable interactions that lower barriers to engagement while respecting the depth and significance of Indigenous languages. Through this process, we learned the importance of designing with care, clarity and cultural sensitivity, particularly when working with living languages and communities.

Next Steps

The project has potential to be further developed in collaboration with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to ensure cultural accuracy, depth and appropriate use of language. Future iterations could expand into other formats such as way finding, public signage or digital tools integrated into city spaces. Its flexible and scalable approach also allows it to be adapted to other regions across Canada, supporting diverse Indigenous languages and place-based storytelling. As a team, we are open to continuing the project beyond the course, particularly if there are opportunities for community collaboration or real-world application. Regardless of next steps, the project has been shared as an open resource to inspire further exploration and dialogue around language visibility and reconciliation in Vancouver.