Friday, October 4, 2024 – Nestled on the north wall of Heritage Row, adjacent to Cafe VOSINO on Eustace Road, a piece of local history has been reborn. Originally installed in the 1990s by Bill Dixon, the mural depicted the Sooke logging heritage and now, a revitalized version pays tribute to that legacy while looking ahead to the future.
Time and the elements had weathered the original mural, fading its once vibrant colours. In 2024, artists Diego Narvaez and Shelley Davies, alongside support from Mosaic Forest Management and the District of Sooke, embarked on a journey to revive this iconic artwork.
The result is a stunning blend of history, collaboration, and cultural stewardship. Drawing inspiration from T’Sou-ke Nation traditions, the new mural features towering trees adorned with intricate designs, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.
At the heart of the mural are the bear, eagle, and raven—revered creatures in local First Nations culture—standing as guardians of the forest. Native ferns and plants blanket the forest floor in a vibrant display of life, while high above, a majestic heron soars, symbolizing resilience and serving as a watchman for the region.
In the distance, the lush regrowth of future forests, interwoven with animals, paints a hopeful picture of renewal and regeneration, reminding us of our responsibility to safeguard the natural world for generations to come. As an elder imparts their knowledge shaping cedar, they carry forward the values of respect and reverence for Mother Earth, guiding us toward a future where harmony and balance lead us forward.
To fully appreciate the depth and detail of this revitalized mural, we invite you to visit Heritage Row and see it for yourself. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the rich history, cultural symbolism, and the inspiring vision for the future that this artwork represents. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this mural stands as a testament to the community’s resilience, its connection to nature, and the importance of preserving our heritage for generations to come.
Quotes:
T’Sou-ke Nation Councilor Rose Dumont –
“T’Sou-ke Nation is honoured to have worked alongside the District of Sooke and Mosaic Forest Management to breathe new life into a long-standing piece of Sooke history thanks to the astounding work of Diego Narvaez and T’Sou-ke artist Shelley Davies. This mural represents the unity and commitment between us all for our shared responsibility to protect the history, our rich culture, and to care for and protect our natural resources for future generations. We are very proud to see the blend of modern and culturally traditional practices represented so beautifully in this mural.”
Artist Diego Narvaez –
“A mural can be a portal to the identity of a place. It can be a reminder of what used to be. It can be a look into the future of what we want to build as a community. It can also be a way to start conversations about how we understand the land and relate to other species. In times when our relationship with trees and forests is critical, we have created this work to recognize the past and open a door for future possibilities.”
Artist Shelley Davies –
“This mural demonstrates our connection to the land and the delicate lifecycle of the ecosystem. All living beings come from this earth and are returned to the earth, creating a reciprocal bond between humans, animals, and the natural environment. As Indigenous caretakers and stewards of the land, nurturing a harmonious, balanced ecosystem is vital to the longevity of resources mother nature provides us. It has been the greatest honour to work alongside Diego to revitalize Bill Dixon’s original mural, and I raise my hands to all involved.”
Trevor Joyce, Director of Indigenous Investment, Mosaic Forest Management –
“We are honoured to collaborate with the T’Sou-ke Nation and District of Sooke on the enhancement and revitalization of this historic piece. This mural represents our shared future as communities coming together, stewarding the lands for future generations.”
Mayor of Sooke Maja Tait –
“Our community’s heritage is deeply intertwined with the natural world around us, and this mural beautifully captures that relationship. It’s more than just an artwork; it’s a reminder of where we’ve come from and a vision of where we’re headed. Through the collaboration of talented artists, support from Mosaic Forest Management, and the cultural teachings shared by the T’Sou-ke Nation, this mural is a celebration of resilience, renewal, and our shared responsibility to protect this land for future generations. I am proud to see this piece of Sooke’s story come to life once again.”
