Settlement Victoria: The Indigenous Perspective

Vancouver Island South presents Settlement Victoria: The Indigenous Perspective — back by popular demand! 

 

Mark Albany, an elder and knowledge keeper of the Songhees Nation, has graciously offered to lead a 2.5-hour walking tour of his ancestral lands, to understand downtown Victoria from a Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) point of view. The purpose of this walk is to bring an understanding of the history of both the Lekwungen peoples , the settlers of Victoria and their dramatic convergence.  By getting a better understanding of their respective cultures and philosophies this hopefully leads to a better interpretation of reconciliation for this area.  The  tour will also highlight how much has changed in Victoria in a short period of time.  

 

BIOGRAPHY:

 

Mark Albany is an elder and knowledge keeper of the Songhees Nation and has spent his life in the area.  Mark attended elementary school through to University in Victoria. Mark received his Masters in Counselling through Gonzaga University in Washington.   A good portion of his working life was in non-profit organizations in the social service field.  He has worked with the Department of Indian Affairs and also the Department of Veteran Affairs.  Mark spent 29 years providing services from elementary to high school within the Victoria School district as a First Nations Counsellor.  Throughout his career, Mark has created and lead workshops for school administration, teachers and educational assistants in regards to First Nations issues and history.    

 

 

DATE: September 5th, 2025  

 

TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT 

 

LOCATION: Details will be given after registration.   

 

COST: $35.00 for members, $50.00 for non-members 

 

The maximum number of participants is 18.  Pre-registration is required. 

 

Due to the outdoor environment, accessibility is limited for those with physical challenges. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress is recommended. 

 

We kindly ask that no notetaking, photos or video recording occurs during the tour.  

 

 

The purpose of this walk is to bring an understanding of the history of both the Lekwungen peoples , the settlers of Victoria and their dramatic convergence.  By getting a better understanding of their respective cultures and philosophies this hopefully leads to a better interpretation of reconciliation for this area.  The  tour will also highlight how much has changed in Victoria in a short period of time. 

 

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

 

1. Describe the specific factors that informed both First Nations and European 19th century land settlement and development in and around Victoria. 

 

2. Describe the region and the harbour as First Nations had when they inhabited for millennia up to 1840. 

 

3. Describe the physical and cultural impacts that European, and particular British colonial mindsets, had regarding the local First Nations.