After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Songhees First Nation will launch its unique tourism initiatives this coming week with canoe rides, walking tours and story telling.
“We are excited to be able to share our tradition of hospitality on Lekwungen Territory this season,” said Cecelia Dick, cultural tourism manager for the Songhees Nation.
“With the city of Victoria built up around us today it is hard for visitors to see evidence of our history and traditional land use. We look forward to sharing the stories that bring to life our culture past and present,” said Dick.
The season starts Tuesday with a National Indigenous People’s Day celebration at 3:30 p.m. featuring a traditional canoe protocol welcome in the Inner Harbour, followed by a procession along the causeway to Ship Point where cultural performances will take place until 6 p.m. Bannock, cold drinks and orange shirts will be on sale at the Explore Songhees kiosk.
Starting Thursday, Songhees Tours will offer Indigenous cultural experiences based at its Ship Point kiosk.
• The 7 Signs of Lekwungen walking tour will be back for the summer and into fall. This tour follows a trail of cultural sites, each marked by a spindle whorl sculpture by Songhees artist Butch Dick. Guides will share stories describing how each site is significant to the Lekwungen People from Thursday to Sunday.
• Returning for the first time since 2018, Songhees canoe tours will offer a cultural and sightseeing opportunity in the Inner Harbour onboard the Salish Sea Wolf. Guests can participate in paddling while learning about the Lekwungen Peoples’ ties to the Inner Harbour and hear stories that highlight important cultural areas such as Protocol Corner and Pelaces (Place of Cradle). Those tours will be available weekly Thursday to Sunday.
• New this year will be a Lekwungen Reality Tour. The walking tour hosted by knowledge keeper Mark Albany covers the history and impacts of colonial settlement to the Lekwungen People and their lands, while encouraging individual reflection as Canada grapples with its past and its journey towards reconciliation. Tour dates will be announced on July 1.
• The First Peoples Artist Row will be back on the south side of the Inner Harbour causeway after a three-year hiatus.
• At its base at 1502 Admirals Rd. and elsewhere, the Songhees Food Truck will be serving Indigenous-inspired cuisine, including new summer dishes and crowd favourites such as creative variations of bannock and the salmon burger.
To find more information or book a tour, visit exploresonghees.com
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