Land & Sea Mural

Join Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations for the Blessing of the Land & Sea Mural on Sep 24, 2009 4pm - 6pm at Ogden Point (pocket park at south end).

The mural concept was inspired by the Chiefs of both Nations who sit on GVHA’s Board of Directors. The project will help foster understanding for the rich history and culture of the two local First Nations, while providing economic opportunities for youth from Songhees, Esquimalt , Cowichan and Greater Victoria. “GVHA and the Chiefs of both Nations have been looking for an economic development opportunity for our partners for several years,” said Don Prittie, Chair of GVHA. “This project is timely. Not only will it raise awareness for the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, but it will create jobs and stimulate the local economy in difficult economic times.”

Artists Butch Dick (Songhees Nation) and Darlene Gait (Esquimalt Nation) created the artwork for the Land and Sea mural. Each artist produced a series of 10 images that combined to create an extensive mural that was mounted on the Ogden Point breakwater wall facing the cruise ship terminal. The images for the mural are based on centuries-old Songhees and Esquimalt art traditions combined with contemporary elements.

Butch Dick’s images connect with the “Sea” theme. These include Salmon, The Harbour Seal, The Devil Fish (octopus), and The Sea Monster.

“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.” – Butch Dick

Darlene Gait’s images represent the “Land” theme and include representations of The Gatekeeper (cougar), Running Deer, the Raven, and Eagle. Each of the images has its own story and spirit.  Darlene designed the layout of the mural and framed the land and sea under the symbol of the wolf.

“The symbol of the wolf represents both Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. The wolf is the symbol of family unity. The spirits of our ancestors live on in those of us who try to bring dignity and nobility back to our people, through honesty, generosity and respect.” – Darlene Gait

Woven together, the images of land and sea will reflect the breakwater’s natural and cultural setting at Victoria harbour’s gateway. 

A team of six young artists-in-training, mostly First Nations youth, painted the designs on panels for the mural. The youth artists were mentored and trained in the early part of summer 2009, then spent their summer collaborating to paint the images on the panels.

The artists-in-training also created one image for inclusion in the large mural. Youth from diverse backgrounds were welcomed to the project to demonstrate the “unity” aspect of this artistic venture. The project provided invaluable creative and career development experiences for the youth artists involved.