Lekwungen Public Art

Abby­, Melissa Barnhard (Nawhea’mowha),­ Mike Charlie Jr.,­ Noni H,­ Jaysha­, Kielynn­, Addison Lecoy­, Harmony Lecoy,­ Howard LaFortune Jr.,­ Catherine M,­ Millie Modeste­, Julie Natrall­, Evangeline Noordermeer, Dick­ Linnya Thomas and Maria Thomas

Created through digital art workshops led by Brianna Bear.

Designed by Melissa Barnhard (Nawhea'mowha). Installation led by Jesse Campbell.

Lək̓ʷəŋən means "place of smoked herring." This mural honours the deep relationship between lək̓ʷəŋən peoples and these waters. Camossung is the central figure in the mural. She is known as the great lək̓ʷəŋən woman and protector of the waterway. The mural brings together herring, the reversing falls and the abundant sea life of the Gorge. Together, these elements celebrate the enduring connection between people, water and the living beings that have sustained and shaped this place.

The mural transforms a highly visible pedestrian connection between Vic West and downtown Victoria into a place that reflects lək̓ʷəŋən culture and stories.

What can you find in the mural?

Camossung, the great Lək̓ʷəŋən woman and protector of the waterway, is the central figure in this mural. Surrounding her are plants, animals and marine life found in the waters of the Salish Sea and the Gorge Waterway. How many can you find?

• Reversing waterfall
• Herring
• Sea kelp
• Eelgrass
• Bay pipefish
• Purple sea star
• Black katy chiton
• Sea sack
• White cap limpet
• Pacific oyster
• Dogwinkles
• Rockweed
• Feather boa kelp
• Blue mussel
• Coralline algae 

Yuxwelupton, Qwal'qaxala, Bradley Dick

The design chosen for the silo reflects the very traditional colours red and black, it is of two otters which are considered spirit guides in Lekwungen culture. The center image is of the Ancestor Camossung, protector of what is now known as the Gorge waterway. Camossung not only a protector, she has committed her life to guiding us to be in good relations with all beings of land, water and sky. It is very fitting that this imagery has been chosen as the location sits as the entry way to Camossung’s homelands and water

About the Artist

Lkwungen, Da'naxda'xw, Ditidaht Ancestry Bradley is married to Jennifer Chuckry, has three beautiful children Shayla and granddaughter Kaydence (aka Granny), Dakota, and Cienna and grandson Staqeya, all are of Cree ancestry and Australian shepherd, Cy the family guy. Bradley is a contemporary artist who enjoys working collaboratively with his late Brother Clarence Dick Jr., Fabian Quocksister and dad Butch Dick carving ceremonial poles that adorn City Hall and the Songhees Wellness Centre. Bradley has been doing commissioned works for well over 20 years and has artworks all over the world, as far as New Zealand, England, Norway and Sweden. He has sold numerous drums and carving locally as well and focuses on designs based on his family teachings and culture. His works consist of original paintings, small and large carvings, and putting contemporary designs onto shoes and hats, collaborative paintings with his wife Jennifer that reflects her Cree ancestry as well as Bradley’s west coast influence to the paintings. These works have been sold privately throughout Vancouver Island and Bradley is sure there will be more to come. Gilakasla (thank you), Hay’sxw’qa si’em (thank you Honorable ones), Klecko klecko (thank you). 

Eva George, Tulsimiyē

The Orca moves through the deep waters with strength and unity, carrying the wisdom of the ancestors and the spirit of the family. It teaches us to lead with compassion, to move with purpose, and to honor the connections that bind us to each other and to the ocean.  

The Thunderbird, mighty in the sky, brings thunder and lightning with each beat of its wings. A protector and messenger of the spirit world, the Thunderbird reminds us of transformation, fierce protection and the unseen power we carry within.  

The Sun rises each day, warming the land and giving life to all. It is a symbol of renewal, hope, and healing. The Sun watches over us, guiding us through darkness and lighting the path forward.  

Together, these beings form a sacred circle — Water. Sky. Fire. Wisdom. Strength. Life. We walk with their power behind us. 

Lajah Warren

This artwork captures the relationship between land, sky, animals and people. At the centre is an orca whale, with a human face in its dorsal fin. Above and below, the colours of the water and sky blend together. The moon rises above, held gently by the orca's spout, as flowing forms of sky and ocean move as one. This piece expresses the unity of all elements in a balanced and sacred relationship.

At the same time, parts of the image are held within a bordered frame, while the water below crashes outward. This contrast questions the human attempt to control, divide and conquer the natural world. It also speaks to the ways tourism tries to box in and contain our cultures. Yet the land cannot be tamed, controlled or divided. Until we recognize our place within nature, rather than assert dominance, a part of each of us will remain unwhole.

This piece asks you to challenge the systems that try to frame, divide and exploit what is sacred, including land, sky, animals and people (yourself included).

About the Artist

Lajah, a Songhees artist of mixed Indigenous and settler heritage. She uses art to inspire dialogue, healing and resistance. Her work weaves traditional Coast Salish designs with expressive acrylic techniques, reflecting community, storytelling, self-healing and activism. Aside from her roles as an artist, she also works to create more space for art as dialogue through her Community Arts Centre – Nova Arts Hub.  

Soarimpt, Esquimalt and Syilx ancestry

This artwork features the Giant Pacific Octopus, a symbol of adaptation, intelligence, grace and resourcefulness. Digital elements, including a grid overlay and low-poly egg form, reference our evolving technological environment, its innovations as well as its risks. The octopus stands as a reminder to remain vigilant and adaptive while navigating the siloed perceptions shaped by algorithmic realities. 

Eli Hirtle, created with the support of Brianna Bear

A 14-minute film sharing a history and overview of Lekwungen territory, featuring interviews with Songhees community members Cheryl Bryce, Joan Morris, and Skip, Butch and Bradley Dick. This permanent installation can be viewed on a monitor in the Douglas Street foyer of City Hall as part of the Sacred exhibition.

Visit the Sacred page 

Clarence “Butch” Dick and Clarence Dick Jr.

A pair of spirit brother poles in Centennial Square. Lekwungen Master Carver Butch Dick designed the traditional pole (right). Mamalilikulla carver Clarence Dick Jr. designed the contemporary pole (left).

"We give thanks to the Two Brothers (cedar trees) for allowing us to transform them into teachers that acknowledge the ability of aboriginal peoples to preserve and continue the cultural practices of their ancestors. We are proud that the City of Victoria has included the inherent keepers of Lekwungen Tung'uxw (Songhees Lands) in their transformation of this square."

Clarence “Butch” Dick  

Seven spindle whorl carvings marking places of cultural significance across the city. Butch Dick was nominated as the commissioned artist by Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees Nation and Chief Andy Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation. His sons, artists Clarence and Bradley Dick, assisted with two of the carvings.

To seek out these markers is to learn about the land, its original culture, and the spirit of its people.  

Read the Signs of Lekwungen brochure.