First Nations Gate To Mark Victoria Spirit Square

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007CS0077-001239
Oct. 4, 2007

Ministry of Community Services

VICTORIA – Victoria will develop its very own B.C. Spirit Square, welcoming residents and visitors through a unique First Nations gate, thanks to $500,000 from the provincial government, Community Services Minister Ida Chong announced today.

“Across British Columbia, communities are developing Spirit Squares that reflect the heritage and rich diversity of our communities. A First Nations gate here in the heart of our provincial capital city will be a tribute to the Esquimalt and Songhees people and the new relationship we are building with First Nations and Aboriginal people throughout B.C.,” said Chong. “This square will be an incredible place to join in next year’s BC150 Years celebration, marking our past achievements and looking to our bright future ahead.”The First Nations Gate will be a key feature in the City’s Centennial Square Revitalization project. It will be marked by two prominent 360-degree totem poles, each representing the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The 16-foot-high poles will be designed and created by a team of local First Nations carvers. Spirit Square funds will also support other key features in the square, including a children’s water feature with ground-based spray fountains, mosaic tiling and a portable stage for performance events.

“A redeveloped Centennial Square will transform the face of Victoria’s downtown, bringing families, children and seniors back together again in this space,” said Mayor Alan Lowe. “With the inclusion of a First Nations Gate, we will be able to distinguish this important public space, welcome residents and visitors and pay homage to the traditional territories of local area First Nations.”

“By incorporating First Nations art into the city’s new square, we are creating a legacy that lets everyone know that these are the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt people and that our Aboriginal history and culture has shaped the region and the province,” said Frank George, Councillor, Songhees Nation.

The $20-million B.C. Spirit Square program is helping to create or improve outdoor public meeting/celebration spaces based on 50/50 cost-sharing with local governments, to a maximum provincial contribution of $500,000.

B.C. Spirit Squares is one of four programs announced by Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2006 Union of BC Municipalities convention, aimed at making B.C. communities greener and healthier places to live, with reduced greenhouse gases, improved air quality and increased energy conservation. The other programs are LocalMotion, Towns for Tomorrow, and the Green City Awards.

For more information about B.C. Spirit Squares, and for links to these other programs, visit www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca online.

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Media contact:

Marc Black
Communications Manager
Ministry of Community Services
250 356-6334