Signs of Lekwungen - Site Outside Victoria City Hall
by Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton)
Description
On a culturally significant site to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, this is one of seven markers created with circular bronze casts of original cedar carvings.
This artwork depicts the spindle whorl, a tool traditionally used by Coast Salish women to spin wool - considered to be the foundation of a Coast Salish family.
The concept for the base was developed by Heritage Planner, Richard Linzey. The base's top is inscribed with the traditional place name, phonetically in Lekwungen, as well as in English.
Artwork Statement
skwu-tsu-KNEE-lth-ch translates literally to "bitter cherry tree." Here willow-lined, berry-rich creeks and meadows meandered down to the ocean, and paths made by bark harvesters bordered the waterways. The imprints of these creeks can still be seen in the uneven ground of the Market Square area. This was a creek bed that led back to the food gathering areas now contained by Fort, View, Vancouver and Quadra Streets. Bark from the bitter cherry was used to make a variety of household objects.
About Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton)
Biography
Master carver and Songhees First Nation elder Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton), is an inspiring local visionary trained in fine art who continues to play a pivotal role in youth empowerment and whose tireless commitment to creatively championing the Songhees carving style has touched every generation.
Resume
Butch Dick is a master carver trained in fine art and graphic design. He taught First Nations Art and Culture in School District 61 for more than 20 years and was an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, teaching an Indigenous Learning course. Butch Dick also trained his two sons, Clarence Dick Jr. and Bradley Dick in the art of carving. Father and sons work closely together on aboriginal art projects.
Details
Artwork Type
First Nations
Medium
Carving: close-grain red cedar was used to carve the whorl.
Bronze casting: made as a disk, anchored to a brown powder-coated aluminum pole.
Dimensions
site marker 2.5 metres in heigh
Unveiled Date
9/30/2008
Reference Number
3848
Site
Pandora Avenue at Broad Street, south west corner of Victoria City Hall.
Artwork Category
Civic Public Art
Artwork Selection Process
Civic: Invitational / Commissioned
Location
Victoria > Downtown