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.
The lookout area at Beacon Hill Park is called MEE-qan, which means "warmed by the sun". This seaward slope was a popular place for rest and play. A game similar to field hockey, called Coqwialls, was played here. At the bottom of the hill was a small palisaded village that was occupied intermittently until approximately 300 years ago. The settlement was for defence during times of war and it was also important for reef net fishing. The starchy bulbs of the wildflower, Camas, were an important food source gathered in this area.