lək̓ʷəŋən Placemaking Project Takes Another Step Forward with Unveiling of Interpretative Installation and Artwork
New installation on Inner Harbour Lower Causeway complements Darlene Gait’s artwork on display at the Visitor Centre
Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/Victoria, BC, February 9, 2026 — The latest additions to lək̓ʷəŋən placemaking in the Inner Harbour will be celebrated with two unveilings beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and representatives from Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm Nation will unveil a new lək̓ʷəŋən interpretative installation on the Lower Causeway. Inspired by the traditional Big House design, the installation features five structures that explain the historical and cultural connection between the lək̓ʷəŋən People and the harbour.
The installation is located in an area called xwsəyq’әm, which means Place of Mud. It is pronounced Whu-SEI-kum. The installation features the lək̓ʷəŋən language and describes how the lək̓ʷəŋən People used the harbour and surrounding lands. An orca designed by Butch Dick (Yux’wey’lupton) is incorporated into the design.
The lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will perform at the unveiling.
Following the ceremony, attendees will move to Destination Greater Victoria’s Visitor Centre at 812 Wharf Street for the unveiling of two pieces of artwork by xʷsepsəm Nation artist Darlene Gait. Gait’s larger piece, called Profusion, depicts a wolf, an emblem of the lək̓ʷəŋən People.
Chief Jerome Thomas of xʷsepsəm Nation said: “This area has been an important meeting place for generations. This location was once the village site of the xʷsepsəm, right where the Legislature building stands today. We’re excited that visitors and residents will have the opportunity to learn about lək̓ʷəŋən culture and the importance of this area to our people.”
Chief Ron Sam of Songhees Nation said about the installation: “This is more than art – it is a living connection to our land and the community who built upon it. We hope it inspires everyone who sees it to reflect on the deep history our People hold here. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated working group and the incredible artists who brought this vision to life – it is through their creativity and commitment our culture is shared so beautifully within xwsəyq’әm, now referred to as the Inner Harbour.”
GVHA Interim CEO Don Krusel said: “This placemaking project connects people to the area’s rich lək̓ʷəŋən culture. We are grateful for the guidance and contributions of both the Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm Nation, particularly the language teams.”
DGV CEO Paul Nursey said: “By increasing lək̓ʷəŋən presence in the Visitor Centre, we hope to enrich the visitor experience and support deeper learning about these lands and the lək̓ʷəŋən people’s historic and ongoing connection to this beautiful place. We are honoured to continue strengthening relationships and walking alongside the Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm Nation in this work.”
GVHA began installing placemaking art in the harbour in 2024, including sea-wolves and landscapes by John and Lajah Warren on the marina gates, hummingbird lamppost banners by Brianna Bear, an orca design by Melissa McClurg wrapped around a marina pile, and red and yellow octopus umbrellas by Butch Dick.
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Note to editors:
Media is asked to arrive at the Lower Causeway a few minutes before 10:00 a.m.
Photos will be available upon request.
About GVHA:
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s working harbour. GVHA owns and operates 11 properties, including the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, the Lower Causeway and marina, and Fisherman’s Wharf. GVHA is certified as a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Gold Member for its commitment to working in partnership with the lək̓ʷəŋən People. GVHA vision: Canada’s most ḰʷamḰʷəm (vibrant) and Xʷčičtəs (harmonious) harbour.
About DGV:
Destination Greater Victoria (Greater Victoria Visitors and Convention Bureau) is our region’s official, not-for-profit destination marketing and management organization working in partnership with approximately 950 businesses and municipalities in Greater Victoria. For more information, visit the DGV website.
Media contacts:
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Richard Davies, Communications Manager
(250) 507–4282, communications@gvha.ca