The first in a series of six discussions on reconciliation in Victoria will focus on fostering an understanding of the history and culture of the Lekwungen people.
The series, organized by the mayor, city councillors and local Indigenous leaders, is designed to give the community — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people — an opportunity to explore what reconciliation looks like on Lekwungen territory.
During the conversation, those in attendance will hear from two knowledge keepers — Mark Albany and Cheryl Bryce, both of Songhees Nation — who will discuss Lekwungen history, language and culture. Frank George, a former Songhees Nation councillor, will talk about governance within the nation. Invited elders will also share stories.
Florence Dick of Songhees Nation is organizing the first session with Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto. Dick said it was important to start the learning process at the beginning. She wants people to understand that Indigenous people were living on this land long before settlers, so they can start to understand what reconciliation means and why it matters.
“This is their journey on to reconciliation. And what better way to start it than by learning of the people here,” Dick said. “It’s really important that they acknowledge and understand where they’re living.”
Dick wants to see mayors and councillors of neighbouring municipalities in attendance on Monday evening, and hopes the series will spark similar discussions in other places.
“That’s something that they need to witness and see that there is a need for it,” she said. “We can do it with them, too.”
Dick hopes the series will change the way Indigenous Peoples are viewed.
“People still need to learn that we are not savages. We’re not alcoholics and we are not dumb,” she said. “It comes down to breaking that cycle of discrimination against First Nations.”
At the end of the discussion, participants will be asked to think about what they learned, how it made them feel and what they will do going forward.
“It’s essentially an opportunity to take a group of people who are storytelling, and that the people who hear the stories, then tell the stories. And those people who hear the stories, tell the stories,” Alto said.
The city’s second dialogue, on Nov. 18, focuses on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and what it means in Victoria.
On Jan. 20, the conversation moves to reconciliation and new Canadians.
In the fourth discussion, on March 2, participants will be asked to consider the appropriate context for monuments to controversial historical figures, such as Victoria’s Sir John A. Macdonald statue, which was removed from the steps of City Hall in August 2018.
The May 4 conversation gives the floor to representatives from the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, who run the Victoria Urban Reconciliation Dialogue.
In the final session on July 8, participants will look to the future to identify collaborative reconciliation activities for residents and the city to engage in.
Monday’s conversation will be held in the council chambers at City Hall from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration for the event is now full, but the city intends to webcast the discussion.
