Header Photo, from L-R: Rob Dick, Katie McGovern, Jamie Webb, Chief Jerome Thomas, Chief Ron Sam, Donna Livingstone, Angus Matthews.
A New Vision for Sharing BC’s Rich Maritime Heritages and Cultures: Lekwungen Peoples and the Maritime Museum of BC Embark on Joint Project
For Immediate Release
17 October 2024
Victoria, B.C. – After years of searching for a new home, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia (MMBC) is exploring an exciting new opportunity to return to Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. In collaboration with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, a proposal has been put forward to create a new, dual-purpose historical site that would reshape how coastal history is presented.
Architectural concept by Larry Cecco.
The Future of History Project
The proposed project, tentatively called “The Future of History,” envisions a two-part experience. The Steamship Building, a striking heritage landmark on the Inner Harbour, would house a re-imagined maritime museum. Alongside this, a floating structure adjoining the Steamship Building would be dedicated to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, offering a Lekwungen welcome centre and exhibit space. This new space would emphasize the local Nations’ presence and deep connection to coastal waters, which dates back thousands of years.
“By including Lekwungen maritime history, we can show that settler and First Nations people have shared experience and intertwined histories,” says Songhees Nation’s Chief Ron Sam.
The idea behind the project is to present a more comprehensive account of Victoria’s history, where the narratives of Lekwungen and settler experiences stand side-by-side. With an Inner Harbour facility for Lekwungen Peoples to tell their own story, the exhibit will offer visitors two distinct, yet interconnected, perspectives on the region’s past.
Although still in development, The Future of History project could become a tangible symbol of reconciliation in Victoria, aligning with broader cultural and historical initiatives in the city. It would also be an exciting first-of-its-kind attraction for Victoria’s four million annual visitors.
“Today, history is predominantly known and told through a colonial perspective in places like museums,” shares MMBC’s Board Chair Jamie Webb. “The current significant imbalance will be addressed over time as the public experiences the work of reconciliation through The Future of History project.”
Architectural concept by Larry Cecco.
A Joint Project and Working Group
The Nations and MMBC have established a joint working group to advance the project. At this time, no official agreement with the province has been reached, however negotiations will be completed with the government. The cost of the project is estimated at $38 million, with potential funding sources including private philanthropic and corporate sponsors, as well as contributions from the federal government.
“This opportunity returns the Lekwungen Nations to a place of prominence here in our traditional territory, where residents and visitors will be welcomed and come to understand our proud history,” says Esquimalt Nation’s Chief Jerome Thomas.
The Steamship Building Site
The Steamship Building and the associated water lease are provincially owned, and their future use remains part of ongoing discussions. The project’s vision aims to restore this prime waterfront location to the public, creating a vibrant cultural precinct for both residents and visitors alike.
The Future of History project is expected to open in 2029, coinciding with the completion of the Belleville Ferry Terminal redevelopment next door.
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For more information, please reach out to:
Esquimalt Nation Media Contact:
Andrea Thomas
Executive Director
andrea@esquimaltnation.ca
(250) 381-7861
Songhees Nation Media Contact:
Shayli Robinson
Executive Coordinator, Songhees Development Corporation
s.robinson@songheesdevco.com
250-386-1043 ext. 214
MMBC Media Contact:
Angus Matthews
Joint Working Group Member, Maritime Museum of BC
angus@angusmatthews.com
Mobile: 250-858-4427