History of the ləḱʷəŋən Peoples
čəléŋən ʔə tsə lək̕ʷə́ŋən ʔəlxʷílŋəxʷ
The Lekwungen Nations—known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations—are the original inhabitants of the southern coast of Vancouver Island, with territories spanning present-day Victoria and the surrounding areas. For thousands of years, the Lekwungen Peoples have maintained a deep cultural and spiritual connection to their ancestral lands and waters, demonstrating a profound stewardship ethic rooted in sustainable resource management.
The name “Lekwungen” refers both to the people and their language, meaning “place to smoke herring,” and speaks to the vital importance of the region’s marine resources. Lekwungen society was traditionally organized around several interrelated extended families, all of whom spoke a dialect of the North Straits Salish language. Their livelihood was based on seasonal cycles of fishing—particularly for salmon and herring—hunting, plant gathering, and active trade with neighbouring Indigenous communities.
Prior to European contact, the Lekwungen Peoples established permanent winter villages and seasonal camps, with sophisticated systems of governance, resource management, and cultural protocols. Their histories are rich with oral traditions, songs, and ceremonies—many still practiced today—that reflect an enduring relationship with the land, water, and supernatural world.
Colonization brought dramatic upheaval. The establishment of Fort Victoria by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843 and subsequent colonial expansion displaced the Lekwungen Peoples from much of their land. The signing of treaties under Governor James Douglas in the mid-19th century marked the cession of Lekwungen lands under promises that were often unfulfilled. The intent was to share, not surrender the land. A significant turning point came when the Canadian government enacted policies that divided the Lekwungen Peoples into two separate administrative groups: the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation. This division was part of the broader colonial strategy to fragment Indigenous communities, weaken their collective strength, and facilitate land dispossession. Forced relocations, including the relocation of the Songhees to reserve lands outside of Victoria in 1911, compounded these disruptions. The Lekwungen population decreased from an estimated 8,500 in 1859 to less than 200 by 1914.
Additionally, the imposition of the Indian Act and the establishment of residential schools, where many Lekwungen children were forcibly sent, sought to eradicate Indigenous languages, cultures, and governance systems. Despite these systemic efforts to separate and suppress them, the Lekwungen Peoples have maintained a strong connection to their culture, land, and identity.
A Lekwungen herring fishing site in Esquimalt Harbour - 1868. (Source: Royal BC Museum)
MODERN DAY FOR THE LEKWUNGEN NATIONS
Today, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations are resilient communities, actively working to reclaim their heritage, culture, and language. Despite administrative divisions imposed by historical government actions, these Nations maintain deep cultural ties and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the broader Lekwungen Peoples. Efforts to revitalize the Lekwungen language and traditions are at the forefront of both Nations' endeavors, encompassing educational programs, cultural workshops, and community events. Additionally, they are engaged in land claims and reconciliation initiatives to address historical injustices, including the loss of significant territories and resources.
Economically, the Nations are fostering sustainable development through partnerships and business ventures that align with their cultural values. These initiatives not only benefit their communities but also contribute to broader economic reconciliation.
Both the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations remain deeply committed to environmental stewardship, drawing on traditional ecological knowledge to lead conservation efforts. These initiatives ensure that the lands and waters integral to their culture and identity are preserved for future generations.
In the face of historical adversity, the Lekwungen Peoples have emerged as leaders in cultural preservation, economic development, and reconciliation. Their determination to honour their ancestors while building a prosperous future highlights the enduring strength and unity of the Lekwungen Peoples.