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site before becoming home to the 
Parliament Buildings of the British 
Columbia legislature.
The interpretative installations are 
the latest additions to the Lək̓ʷəŋən 
Placemaking Project, a collaboration 
between the First Nations, the GVHA 
and the Canadian government.
“This initiative not only highlights 
the rich cultural heritage of the 



	


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Se Canada differently.
Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm 
Nation but also strengthens our 
shared commitment to celebrating 
and preserving Indigenous art 
and traditions,” Songhees Chief 
Ron Sam said in advance of the 
unveiling. “It is a powerful reminder 
of the beauty and depth of our 
culture, and we are proud to share it 
with the broader community.”
Old Fort Outlines
A 10-minute walk north of the 
installations, along Government 
Street, is the site of the original 
Fort Victoria. The old fort’s outline 
is preserved today in bricks inlaid 
in the sidewalk along parts of 
Government and Fort streets as well 
as Bastion Square. The Fort Victoria 
Brick Project honors hundreds of 
the city’s pioneers. They include 
several freed Black immigrants 
from California who came to the city 
at the invitation of colonial governor 
James Douglas during the Fraser 
River Gold Rush in 1858.
Among them was Mifflin Wistar 
Gibbs (Brick #2526), who cashed in 
on the gold rush by selling provisions 
to gold seekers. He was even elected 
to Victoria city, before returning to the 
U.S. to become a banker and diplomat.
The Fraser gold rush caused a 
population explosion in Victoria, then 
Craigdarroch Castle is among the Victoria heritage 
homes that are open to the public.
(Destination Greater Victoria)
The Knowledge Totem Pole, carved by Coast Salish 
artist Cicero August and his sons, stands watch over 
the Parliament Buildings grounds. (Keith Norbury)

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