First Nations cultural history honoured through Rock Bay mural
Songhees, Esquimalt First Nations, BC Hydro and Tervita collaborate on mural
VICTORIA – The Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, BC Hydro and Tervita Corporation have unveiled the Rock Bay mural.
A collaborative effort between First Nations communities, government and industry, the mural honours the traditions and history of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, whose traditional territory includes the Rock Bay area.
“It means a lot to Songhees Nation when true partnerships are formed between groups like Tervita and BC Hydro," said Songhees Chief Ron Sam. "These types of arrangements give our young members the opportunity to further the artistic skills they need to forge a path in the arts.
"Songhees thanks all that have been involved in bringing the mural project to life; we also thank our talented artists for doing an amazing job. The artwork created by the mural team is simply outstanding and Songhees Nation looks forward to the day the artwork goes up."
“The mural provides an opportunity to tell a story of this area and the relationship people have had with it for generations, and it also represents the beginning of the return of the property back to productive community use,” said Chris O’Riley, Executive Vice President, Generation for BC Hydro.
The mural, which features imagery of wildlife and vegetation traditionally found in the area, is featured on Government Street and Pembroke Street. The artwork is courtesy of Butch Dick from the Songhees First Nation and Darlene Gait from the Esquimalt First Nation.
For Tervita and BC Hydro, the intent is to support community members in an initiative that is important to them, promotes cultural and historical awareness of the area. In addition, the mural project was a great chance for several youth to obtain their first summer job and gain hands on capacity development.
“Supporting this project is a demonstration of Tervita’s commitment to building and maintaining value-added, long-term relationships with communities where we live, work and operate,” said Cameron McLean, President, Environmental Services.
For more information please contact:
Ted Olynyk
Manager, Community Relations
Vancouver Island – Sunshine Coast
BC Hydro
Ted.olynyk@bchydro.com
250 755 7180
Scott McLeod
Community & Aboriginal Relations Advisor
Tervita
smcleod@tervita.com
250 208 1053