FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: MARK GRANFAR
1 800 519 1222 or 250 744 7272 (mobile)
Email: mark@granfar.org
 
 
Victoria, BC. April 21, 2011
Aboriginal Arts and Culture takes on center stage at the Land and Sea Mural being unveiled at Ogden Point at the Victoria Harbour. The project is sponsored by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations in whose traditional territory the harbour and the mural are located.
The significance of this event goes beyond its initial appearance, especially at a time when Canada is working to bring about reconciliation with the First People of this land. For the first time Lekwungen the original language of Victoria is being used in a large mural. This was made possible when Esquimalt First Nations artist Darlene Gait, well known internationally for her paintings asked permission from her nation as well as the elders to have a blessing translated to Lekwungen and placed on top of the second phase of the mural which will be unveiled through a Blessing ceremony on June 4, 2011.

This event and mural can be considered a cultural landmark of historical proportions not only for its beauty, but also because it is the fruit of a collaborative effort between the First People, the GVHA, the youth who were commissioned to reproduce the art on panels which are now placed on the walls of the breakwater and the residents of Victoria who will see for the first time that the old Lekwungen language used by the First people in Victoria is recognized and which is planned to be maintained in perpetuity on this location, a favourite for all residents and the first sight for all visitors arriving though cruise ships to the harbour.
The overall design of the mural was done by Darlene Gait in collaboration with Songhees carver Butch Dick and the mural was reproduced by a team of youth who worked in the summers of 2009 and 2010. For more information about the art of Darlene Gait, for interviews, images and film on the project, please contact Mark Granfar.

You can see a profile of the artist at her website: www.onemoon.ca or through Facebook and Vimeo at the links below.
http://on.fb.me/fVaAn7
http://on.fb.me/hyDqPJ
http://vimeo.com/11312659
 
 

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