Placemaking in the Inner Harbour
Placemaking is a concept where a sense of identity is communicated through art, design or architecture. In Victoria, B.C., the Inner Harbour is a place of great significance to local First Nations. With that in mind, Lək̓ʷəŋən artwork has been installed around the city’s Inner Harbour as part of a placemaking project to connect residents and visitors with the area’s rich First Nations’ culture.
The project is a collaboration between the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), Xʷsepsəm Nation (Esquimalt), and Songhees Nation. PacifiCan provided $49,000 in funding, which was matched by GVHA.
“It’s exciting to see Lək̓ʷəŋən artwork showing the connection between our people and this place; it has been an important meeting place for generations,” said Hereditary Chief Ed Thomas (čaleŋən hiwəs sínupn) from Xʷsepsəm Nation.
“We are honoured to partner with GVHA to showcase Lək̓ʷəŋən art throughout the Inner Harbour,” said Chief Ron Sam from Songhees Nation. “This initiative not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Songhees Nation and Xʷsepsəm Nation but also strengthens our shared commitment to celebrating and preserving Indigenous art and traditions. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty and depth of our culture, and we are proud to share it with the broader community.”
PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency for British Columbia and helps businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger.
“British Columbia’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty make it a world-class destination. Supporting initiatives like GVHA’s Lək̓ʷəŋən placemaking project will help vibrant communities like Victoria celebrate and preserve Indigenous art and culture and enhance tourism experiences. With PacifiCan’s help, communities across B.C. are showcasing what makes our province special and cherished by both locals and visitors alike,” said The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
Octopus umbrellas by Clarence ‘Butch Dick’ (Yux’wey’lupton)
Red and yellow octopus-themed umbrellas can be enjoyed on the south side of the lower causeway. Each umbrella is nine feet in diameter and will be in place in fine weather. You may be familiar with the octopus. This design also appears on the Breakwater’s Unity Wall mural at the Breakwater District.
After completing the design for the Unity Wall, Butch Dick said: “I thank the ancestors and elders for their stories and the teachings, and this project is an acknowledgement of their endurance and sustainability. I thank those with vision who see beyond time and into the future, as their vision creates reality through awareness and enrichment.”
Clarence ‘Butch’ Dick is a Victoria artist and educator dedicated to creative expression and the wisdom described in traditional culture. A master carver and Songhees First Nation elder, his art has touched multiple generations.
Inner Harbour marina gates by John and Lajah Warren
Located on the lower causeway, the marina gates face the Empress hotel. Two sea-wolves, along with landscapes and seascapes, adorn the glass panels. Visitors are greeted with English and Lək̓ʷəŋən text: “It is good you have arrived.”
“We wanted to have two sea-wolves coming out of the door. We wanted a mountain range on the far wall, and the sea on the other. We’re showing that the sea-wolf holds a connection with both sea and the land.” – John & Lajah Warren
John Warren is a Lək̓ʷəŋən carver and artist. He lives in Sooke, B.C., and began carving at the age of 21, with master carver Charles Elliot. He has completed hundreds of carvings in the past 20 years, including plaques, masks, paddles, bowls, wall panels, and doors. John fishes when he is not working as a water operator for the T’Souke Nation.
Lajah Warren (tᶱə nə sné. Čsə léʔə nə ɫ lək’ʷəniʔən) is John’s daughter and a proud Indigiqueer woman from Songhees Nation (from the Warren and Albany families). Her art blends traditional Coast Salish design with expressive art therapy techniques to tell stories about personal experiences, relationships with the land, and justice issues. Lajah has worked in social services for many years, serving Indigenous communities.
Lamppost hummingbirds by Brianna Bear
Look up when you are on the south side of the lower causeway. You will see five lampposts adorned with black metallic banners featuring hummingbird designs. This part of the of the causeway is reserved for Indigenous artists who sell and showcase their traditional carvings and artwork during the summer.
“Hummingbirds have been one of my favorite animals ever since my grandma introduced these creatures to me. I see hummingbirds as a sign of resilience to push forward and beauty in such a challenging place. No matter the weather or what the environment gives these little creatures, they always push forward. They also come in a variety of beautiful colours that shine in the sunlight when you see them.” – Brianna Bear
Brianna Bear, formally known as Brianna Dick, is from Songhees Nation through her father’s side. She has roots in the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the ‘Namgis Nation in Alert Bay through her mother’s side. Brianna has been practicing Indigenous form line art for more than 15 years, continually learning new techniques and new stories she hopes to pass onto the next generation.
Ship Point gates by Darlene Gait
An impressive metal gate, featuring a sea otter and salmon, adorns the entrance to a dock alongside Ship Point pier. GVHA will install four more gates with Darlene’s design in the fall. You can see the gate from the pier by looking towards the Legislature.
“As the sea otter and the salmon are both symbols of abundance and nobility, I felt it fitting to bring them together in a simple, humble, art creation representing the Lək̓ʷəŋən People of Victoria. The sea otter and salmon are not rivals. They are often seen together during harvest between September and November. Otter pelts were, and are, only worn by the most noble chiefs representing wealth and connection to land and sea.” – Darlene Gait
Darlene is a First Nation artist from Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation. Her work captivates thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people because she unites people with one another and nature. Born in Victoria, her art installations can be seen throughout the city. Skilled in book illustration, logos, Lək̓ʷəŋən art, landscape and wildlife painting, Darlene works in metal, glass, and stone.
Orca family on marina pile by Melissa McClurg
In the Inner Harbour marina, a family of orcas, designed by Songhees artist Melissa McClurg, is wrapped around a dock pile, transforming it into a visual reminder of the importance of family and community in Lək̓ʷəŋən culture. This dock area is reserved for use by the two Nations. Melissa describes the harbour as “the highway of our ancestors.”
“In this design there are three orca whales. The top two whales are a mother and father, and the bottom is a baby. They are together in the Salish Sea. There are strands of sea kelp weaved throughout to show they are underwater. Water is the strongest of the elements and it is where Indigenous people gain their strength. Family always comes first, and this is why I wanted to showcase that.” – Melissa McClurg
Melissa (Naw-Hea’Mowha) is a leader, artist, and storyteller. With a background in program coordinating and cultural interpretation, Melissa has worked as a senior cultural tour guide and program coordinator for Explore Songhees. Her artwork can be seen around Victoria, including Fort Rodd Hill, Pacific Family Association Wellness Centre, and the Indigenous Perspectives Society. She works in many forms, including clay sculptures and wood carvings.
Supported by:
Working Group
To guide the direction of this project, GVHA established a Lək̓ʷəŋən Placemaking Working Group, which was made up of cultural knowledge keepers, Lək̓ʷəŋən youth, and Lək̓ʷəŋən speakers. We extend our sincere appreciation to Hereditary Chief Ed Thomas; Nəʔəmtənat, Florence Dick; Xwulat, Cecelia Dick; Naw-Hea’Mowha, Melissa McClurg; Anthony Andrew Charles; Councillor Eddie Thomas Jr.; Carmen Dick and Samantha Dean.
More First Nations in the Harbour
First Nations War Canoe Races
For the first time in over a century, 2015 saw traditional First Nations war canoe races return to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the traditional territory of the Lekwungen People. The Ku-sing-ay-las canoe races demonstrate the importance of this activity to the Lekwungen People. Canoe pulling is more than a sport; it supports mental and spiritual health and wellness.
A traditional war canoe is hand carved from red cedar and is approximately 40 feet long. The war canoe holds 11 people, but there are also six-seaters (called six-man canoes), two-seaters (called double canoes), and singles. Classic war canoe races see participants paddle four races with different heats and age categories.
Indigenous Artists Causeway Program
GVHA reserves the entire south side of the Lower Causeway in the Inner Harbour for the production and sale of traditional carvings and artwork by Indigenous carvers and artisans. This part of the Inner Harbour market was coordinated by Songhees Nation and overseen by both Nations.
Juggler’s Pitch
Juggler’s Pitch is a central area in the Inner Harbour where street performers entertain visitors and locals alike. In 2014, GVHA funded the development of an interpretative screen that highlights the history of the Lekwungen People.
Signs of Lekwungen
Established in 2008, the Signs of Lekwungen is an interpretive walkway along the Inner Harbour and surrounding areas that honours the art, history, and culture of the Coast Salish people who have resided in the Victoria area for hundreds of years. Coast Salish artist Butch Dick designed the seven spindle whorls that are placed throughout the city. Spindle whorls were originally used by Coast Salish women to spin wool. They are considered the foundation of a Coast Salish family. Seven site markers are located throughout Victoria’s harbour area and the one shown below is located on Victoria’s Harbour.
