| Songhees Point is named for the Songhees Nation. During the early days of Victoria's history, the native peoples lived on the opposite side of the harbour from Fort Victoria. Now this area is occupied by an ever-increasing number of condominiums. The totems on Songhees Point as well as being objects of beauty in themselves also serve to remind us of the original inhabitants of this area and their rich culture. |  |
Aaah, another great maritime city. I'm celebrating the high seas today as well at Sydney Daily Photo
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Canada, and in Indian Territories in Ontario, I've always appreciated the totem pole. Are these originals?
ReplyDeleteMagnificent harbor foto with the totem poles! Great!
ReplyDeleteThe Songhees traditional villages were actually in Cadboro Bay and Esquimalt harbours, but Douglas forced them to move to what is now the Songhees because then they were under the guns of Fort Victoria.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos... the view from Songhees Point is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you know this Benjamin, but the poles were at one time part of the world's tallest totem pole; 'Spirit of Lekwemmen' which was carved and erected for the Commonwealth Games in '94? or '96? (can't remember).
It had to be chopped down as the brain wizards at City Hall (who must have approved it in the first place?) figured it was a safety hazard...
Whatever the bureaucracy, I love it when totem poles get all mossy and weathered like this.
Amazing picture, very beautiful place! I love those totens, my mother-in-law went to Canada and Alaska and she brought us some totem souvenirs, my husband love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks all for your kind remarks.
ReplyDeleteAntjas - they are original insofar as they were carved by Native Peoples and Ms Toast Burner above gives a little of their history.
Corey, thanks for the additional historical input.
Ms. Toast - thanks also for the historical info. I love it. Wikipedia has an interesting article on the "tallest" totem pole(s) - there are a number of claimants for the title....