Before modern roads, real estate, and high-rise buildings, the land we now call Victoria, BC, was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to this region stretches back thousands of years. As we walk the streets of Victoria or explore its breathtaking coastal beauty, it's essential to acknowledge the rich and complex history of the First Peoples of this land.At Victoria Homes Search, we believe in recognizing and respecting the deep roots of the communities that have always called this land home. Here’s a look into the Indigenous history of Victoria and the surrounding region.
Who Are the Indigenous Peoples of Victoria?
Victoria is located on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, which includes:- The Songhees First Nation
- The Esquimalt First Nation
A Land of Abundance
For thousands of years, the Lekwungen people lived in harmony with the land and waters of southern Vancouver Island. They thrived in seasonal cycles—fishing for salmon, harvesting shellfish, gathering camas bulbs, and trading with neighbouring nations.Their villages were strategically located along the coast and rivers, including areas we know today as:- Cadboro Bay
- Gonzales Hill
- Clover Point
- Beacon Hill Park (originally a significant ceremonial site)
The Impact of European Contact
The 18th and 19th centuries brought explorers, fur traders, missionaries, and eventually settlers. With the arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843, Fort Victoria was established, which drastically altered the lives of the Indigenous populations.The introduction of European diseases like smallpox, along with land dispossession, colonial policies, and the Indian Act (1876), had devastating effects on Indigenous populations and their ways of life.The Douglas Treaties
Between 1850 and 1854, colonial governor James Douglas signed a series of land agreements with Indigenous groups on Vancouver Island, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. These treaties—now known as the Douglas Treaties—were supposed to secure land for settlers while allowing Indigenous groups to retain their rights to hunt, fish, and gather.However, the interpretation and enforcement of these treaties have been subjects of ongoing legal disputes and reconciliation efforts, as the terms were often misunderstood, misrepresented, or ignored.The Resilience of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations
Despite colonial pressures, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations have remained strong and resilient. They have upheld their traditions, languages, and governance systems while navigating the challenges of colonization.Today, both Nations are actively engaged in:- Cultural revitalization
- Land stewardship and environmental protection
- Economic development and tourism
- Education and community health initiatives