New banners hanging at the University of Victoria share the creation story of the Lekwungen People.
Designed by internationally renowned Lekwungen master carver and artist Clarence “Butch” Dick, the works feature symbols including the eagle and the orca.
“When your designs are chosen it’s always an honour to be able to reflect some of your designs and the gift that you’ve been given,” Dick said in a video interview posted by UVic.
“UVic is on our traditional lands and they need to put that up in lights, to show confidence that they’re recognizing and acknowledging and respecting the lands of the Lekwungen People,” he added later.
The master carver, who holds a PhD, often focuses on the creation story, which naturally reflects the ecosystems and environment surrounding the traditional lands.
The eagle embodies peace and friendship, and the orca is a symbol of longevity, protection and family. Both are key to the origin story.
The whales were swimming in a circle, going faster and faster. Then, moving toward shore, they began changing and transforming, Dick said.
“By the time they got to shore, they turned into wolves, and the different colour wolves went in different directions on the land and created villages all around the West Coast.”
The eagle is significant as it delivers that story.
“Just about every gathering that we have, an eagle always appears overhead and it’s like a blessing to our community,” Dick said.
The artist also holds a key role as an educator. In the Greater Victoria School District, he finds teaching has helped with his growth as much as his students’.
“Teaching always helps you to challenge yourself daily. Helping students learn also was a form of creating awareness between First Nation people and non-First Nation people in the school district,” he noted.
Dick hopes to continue to inspire that next generation, even if it’s as simple as banners hanging overhead as inspiration. As an artist and a teacher, he leads rather than crafting students to his ways.
“Every artist has to produce their own style.”
