A burial site in Beacon Hill Park will be a special place for members of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, while allowing for remains to be buried in traditional and sacred ways.
That was the message to Victoria city councillors presented by a delegation from the two groups Thursday. Their visit to city hall followed discussions on turning an ancient burial ground on the southeast slope of Beacon Hill into a site for interring remains unearthed during construction projects.
The area would be near the park’s Checker Pavilion.
Songhees Chief Ron Sam said the concept has enjoyed wide support.
“People really have gotten on board,” he said. “I really need to thank them from the bottom of my heart, because it is important. I see this as the right thing to do because there will be a recognized spot where our ancestors can go.”
Victoria councillors are solidly behind the project. Coun. Pam Madoff called it “an extraordinary step for all of us in our joint communities.”
The cost of the initiative is estimated at $180,000 to $200,000.
Sam said First Nations people realize that ancestral remains will sometimes be found during regular activities around the city.
“We respect protocol,” he said. “We respect our neighbours. We understand developments and infrastructure projects need to happen for the good of our region. We fully support what our neighbours do, but at times when things do get disturbed, just having that plan in place and everybody being on the same page makes things go a lot smoother.”
Sam said he has plenty of experience in dealing with remains.
“I have been involved in this field of work for our nation for well over 10 years now, doing various projects around archaeology and discovery of our ancestors as things happen.”
A burial ground will serve a vital purpose, Sam said.
“Too often I’ve seen remains, ancestors, be brought up and there is no place for them to go. They’re just put on shelves, whether it be at a consulting company or at the museum, and they’re forgotten about.”
Esquimalt Chief Andy Thomas said disturbed remains must have a place for a proper burial. “We have to put them back so that they won’t be bothered again.”
Thomas praised the relationship between the city and its First Nations neighbours. “It seems to be growing, growing like a flower. It’s starting to blossom.”
