The Real History Behind the Lion Mountain Peaks
Animals are often used as symbols in different countries. As you may know, the beaver is Canada’s emblem because of its influence in the Fur Trade and the immense influence this cute rodent had in Canada’s economy in the late 1600’s. However, some cities have symbolic animals as well, and you may have noticed a couple lion statues around Vancouver and not given it a second thought, but lions are of great significance to this vibrant city, read on to find out what the lions history in Vancouver is all about.
The Lion Mountain Peaks are of great significance to Vancouver, they are located in North Vancouver near Lions Bay, and they’re quite the attraction for hikers. They're also the reason why so many things around Vancouver have lions on them, like the Lions Gate Bridge, the BC Lions, Lionsgate Entertainment, Lionsgate Hospital - you get the gist. Even the Vancouver Art Gallery has two lion statues guarding it.
These twin peaks were first discovered by Native Chief Capilano in 1889. He was leading a group of hunters while they followed a herd of goats, and he stumbled across the Western Lion Peak. This was also the first time someone climbed the Western peak. Legend has it, it took one of the hunters only 20 minutes to climb the mountain.
However, these Mountain Peaks were not always called Lions, they used to be called “The Sisters,” also known to Indian Tribes as “The Chief’s Daughters.” The two daughters of the great Tyee were strong, fearless women. Legend says, the Sagalie Tyee formed these two mountains in their honor, so the two sisters could be immortal, standing tall and strong through the seasons, for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the British Empire wiped this name away (along with countless other things).
The mountains were re-named “Lions" by John Hamilton Gray, Premier of New Brunswick and a Judge in British Columbia's Supreme Court. Why, you ask? Well, he thought they looked like lions. Saw a resemblance with the lion statues in London's Trafalgar Square. So the Indigenous name was erased, and the mountains were now named The Lions. But despite the new name, and plenty more Lion - related things in Vancouver, the Capilano's will never forget the original name for these majestic mountains, and neither should you.
So, what's the significance of Lions in Vancouver? There's two ways to look at it. One: These mountain peaks were named by a settler coming from the other side of the world, who thought they looked like statues located on the other side of the world. Or, we can see The Lions as a symbol of erased history, forgotten roots planted by Indigenous Tribes, and a reminder that there is more significance in the things that surround us. We choose the latter. Canada is rich in Indigenous History, and as International Students in these unceded territories, it is our duty to learn about them. So, now you know the real story behind The Lions, or - The Twin Sisters.
Now you can spread the word when one of your friends asks “Hey, what's up with all the Lion stuff around Vancouver?” And to spread even more knowledge, tell them that there's something hidden inside one of the lions guarding the Lions Gate Bridge. There's another fun fact you didn't know before!
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