Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast
Signs of Lekwungen
We Are Still Here
— Beside the "Lookout" on Beacon Hill - míqən —
There are messages in the landscape here, surviving traditional place names, and the soil itself preserves ancient stories waiting to be told.
This is the land of the Lekwungen People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. As you travel through the city, you will find seven carvings that mark places of cultural significance. To seek out these markers is to learn about the land, its original culture, and the spirit of its people.
The hill here is called MEE-qan which means "warmed by the sun." This seaward slope was a popular place for rest and play - a game similar to field hockey, called Coqwialls, was played here. At the bottom of the hill was a small, palisaded village that was occupied intermittently from 1,000 until approximately 300 years ago. The settlement was here for defence during times of war, and it was also important for reef net fishing. The starchy bulbs of the wildflower, Camas, were an important food source gathered in this area. The hill here is also known as Beacon Hill.
The numbers below [on the marker] indicate the locations of carvings by Songhees artist Butch Dick.
Visit The Other Signs of Lekwungen Sites:
1. Songhees Park
2. The site of the South West Bastion of the Hudson's Bay Company Fort
3. Outside Victoria City Hall
4. Lower Causeway
5. Beside the "Lookout" on Beacon Hill (You are here)
6. Royal BC Museum
7. Laurel Point
Erected 2008 by Heritage Canada, Songhees Nation, City of Victoria, Esquimalt Nation, Provincial Capital Commission, et al. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Environment • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 48° 24.593′ N, 123° 21.857′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. Marker is on Beacon Hill Loop. Located near the parking lot near the summit of Beacon Hill, not far from the tall flag pole. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria BC V8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Beacon Hill Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Beacon Hill (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Giants Rooted Among Us (about 240 meters away); Twinning of Morioka, Japan and Victoria (about 240 meters away); World’s Tallest Totem PoleFinlayson Point (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); British Columbia Indians World Wars Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Miss Marilyn Bell (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
More about this marker. The marker has been vandalized.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 13, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.