On July 29th, the POLIS team and colleagues from the University of Victoria’s Centre for Global Studies participated in a cultural tour of Lekwungen historical sites led by Songhees Nation. The “7 Signs of the Lekwungen” canoe tour departed from Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour and was led by cultural guide Cecelia Dick (Songhees Nation) and members of her family. Our group paddled the Salish Sea Wolf canoe to visit some of the Lekwungen Peoples’ most significant historical sites. Throughout the tour, Cecelia Dick brought history to life in an incredible way through her generous teachings and storytelling, enriching our understanding of Lekwungen culture and traditions.
Our group learned a lot, and took to heart our responsibility as guests on this land, and the traditional Lekwungen welcome protocol: Protect the land. Respect the people. We finished the tour back on shore with fresh bannock and the invitation to remember what we learned, what touched our hearts, and to share it with others.