A Bridge Between Cultures

The vision of the Unity Wall stretching into the future is that murals will one day cover both sides of the breakwater. Your donation will help complete this ambitious project.

By Josie Bannerman

Maybe it's the beat of the drums, or the draw of the relationship between all living things - either way, the public Blessing Ceremony for the Land and Sea Mural on June 4 was barely underway before the eagle landed on his customary lookout atop a tall lamp standard high above the proceedings at Ogden Point. It was an auspicious beginning for an important cultural event.

Speakers at the ceremony included Chief Andy Thomas of the Esquimalt First Nation and Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees First Nation. Both men have seats on the board of directors of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and played a major role in bringing the mural project to fruition.

Chief Thomas said Phase 1 of the mural, completed last year, depicts the animal kingdom on land and water, and symbolizes the sacred relationship with all living things that is central to First Nations culture. Phase 2, completed this year, depicts human settlement in Victoria by the people of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.

Artists Butch Dick and Darlene Gait designed the mural, and served as mentors to a group of young artists who carried out the work. "The project has given these young people an opportunity to express themselves through art," Chief Thomas said. "Sharing this day, we are standing up for our people, art and language, and building a relationship with the world around us," he said.

Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees First Nation reiterated that Victoria is the homeland of the Lekwungen people. "We have been invisible in Victoria for far too long," he said. "We want to be part of the bigger picture - economy, jobs - and today is part of this."

The Land and Sea Mural has been such a success, that the vision is now to cover both sides of the breakwater with what will become the world's largest public art piece - the Unity Wall - a bridge between cultures, and a significant landmark. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has paid for Phases 1 and 2, and now seeks financial support from governments, corporations and individuals to complete the ambitious project.

Your donations to the Unity Wall will be accepted by the Ogden Point Enhancement Society, 2814 Arbutus Road, Victoria BC V8N 5X3. Find more information at or call 250-383-8300 ext 225.