The Ogden Point Breakwater is a short walk from downtown Victoria and juts out to the Juan de Fuca Strait, where it is propped up by a cement structure composed of 10,000 granite blocks that were first brought to the area in 1914 and laid out by 1917 (as described in the info-graphic).
screenshot retrieved from Victoria Trails on April 25, 2023
The terminal hugging the coast was used for boats carrying lumber and grain, it now accommodates cruise ship visitors. It is named in honour of fur trader and explorer of the Pacific Northwest, Skene Ogden.
In 2013, aluminum railings were installed, and one can safely walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse at the end.
I noticed that some native art had been painted on the outer side of the breakwater, so instead of walking along the top like a normal human being, I decided to hop across the granite blocks along the side to get a better look at the art on the wall.
The art piece is called the Unity Wall mural. It has been painted along the inner and outer sides of the breakwater.
Inner wall
I concentrated on the outer portion that shows animals and creatures from Salish Nations’ traditions.
While I didn't have the proper shoes, I managed to hop across the blocks and stop every so often to take a snapshot of the art on the wall.
I am personally not well versed in all stories and myths of these indigenous tribes, but generally speaking each animal/creature in their art exhibits human characteristics or are symbols of human behaviors and beliefs. They appear in creation myths, fables, allegories, ceremonial dances, ritual practices, and so forth. Therefore, the importance of these symbols goes beyond the artistic or aesthetic merit, and into a deeper essence of their cultural identity. Each image is unique because it embodies a deeply rooted system of cultural ideas, behaviors, and beliefs. Enjoy!
Aside from a few fishermen there on the blocks, most visitors walked along the top of the breakwater, completely missing this art show down below. You can't see it from the top! Mind you, it's not easy to get to, especially without good footwear or mobility issues. They did put stairs at various points along the breakwater for easy access, but it seems most people just don't take the offer to see this open-air cultural exhibit of art and anthropology.
Unfortunately, after hopping across from block to block for a good while, I thought I had come to the end and didn't notice that the last segment of the breakwater took a turn to the right. By the time I noticed, I had climbed up the stairs to the top and was sick of the breakwater because of my inappropriate footwear. I don't know if there were more images down the last segment, so for now, this story remains unfinished. If you want to learn more about the mural, visit the The Unity Wall Mural at The Victoria Cruise Terminal.
