Lekwungen: Place to Smoke Herring Description This artwork is part of the Sacred Exhibition in City Hall, curated by Rose Spahan with the assistance of artist Eli Hirtle.
Artist statement
Our film, Lekwungen: Place to Smoke Herring, was collaboratively created in order to share a brief history and overview of the Lekwungen territory; the land we work, live and play on. We want to centre the Indigenous knowledge of, connections to, and responsibility for these lands. Our hope is that this film will help people gain a deeper understanding of and respect for the culture, language, traditions, and history of this territory, which have been nearly erased and under attack in many ways since first contact with Europeans, and subsequent settlement of this area. To show how the territory and people of this land are still thriving we interviewed Songhees community members Cheryl Bryce, Joan Morris, and Skip, Butch & Bradley Dick, so they could share their knowledge, stories, and teachings about the lands and waters, which are now known by its colonial name, Victoria. We are excited to permanently install this film within Victoria City Hall, where it can be viewed for years to come so people can learn about the Lekwungen peoples' historical and contemporary connection to these lands and waters. As Butch Dick says in the film, "The most important thing you can do is learn as much as you can about Lekwungen people, because this is our land."
About the artist Eli Hirtle & Brianna Dick
Eli Hirtle is a Nehiyaw (Cree)/British/German filmmaker, photographer, beadworker, visual artist and storyteller. His practice involves documenting and making work about Indigenous cultural resurgence and revitalization. His current interests revolve around the Nehiyawewin language. He is interested in the possibilities for art to educate, inform, and instigate critical discussions. Eli was born and raised in Victoria on Lekwungen territory. He is forever grateful for the teachings he has received and the relationships he has formed here. They continue to influence and guide his art practice. Eli is currently attending Camosun College's Indigenous Family Support Certificate Program. He continues to work with Indigenous youth to empower and inspire their creative voices and expression. Eli is one of the featured artists in the Sacred installation and assisted Rose Spahan with the curation of the artworks.
Brianna Bear TEALIYE (ta-a-th-le-ut) is from the Songhees/Lekwungen Nation in Victoria through her father's side with roots to the Namgis Kwakwaka'wakw people in Alert Bay through her mother's side. She is the oldest of six siblings from four parents whose backgrounds are Lekwungen, Kwakwaka'wakw, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Nuu cha nulth. TEALIYE was brought up around her father's territory of the Lekwungen people, learning many of the teachings from her grandfather Skip Dick and family members. Since her teenage years, she has practised art; learning from artists Butch Dick, Bradley Dick, Mike Dangel along with constantly being inspired by various Indigenous artists from across Canada. She has had the honour of working on murals such as the third phase of the Unity Wall at Ogden Point, the Rock Bay Mural project on Government and Pembroke Streets, and leading the mural project in the Victoria Native Friendship Centre's Youth Department. TEALIYE looks forward to the future connections and continuously learning in her art and life.
Details Site
City Hall East wing, ground floor
Artwork category
Civic Public Art
