The title of this artwork Lekwung means Herring. This work represents the the Pacific Herring population, which once filled the Gorge Waterway in large numbers. The Songhees nation settled around the water, in what is now known as Victoria Harbour. Smoke houses lined the harbour to process the rich fishery of the area. Some time after Fort Victoria was established and the Douglas Treaty was signed, these smoke houses were torn down. Within a century the traditional Herring run nearly disappeared.
By painting the Herring inside of Victoria City Hall, Jesse reaffirms the presence of the people and the species who have lived in this territory since time immemorial. This space has caused so much change in the Herring's environment. Here we acknowledge the contribution of the Herring, and their importance to these lands, in the hope of welcoming them home once again.
