Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations Honour Cultural History Through Rock Bay Mural Project

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 3, 2014) - The Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, BC Hydro and Tervita Corporation are proud to announce the Rock Bay Mural Project.

This collaborative effort between First Nations communities, government and industry honours the traditions and history of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations.

"It means a lot to Songhees Nation when true partnerships are formed between groups like Tervita and BC Hydro. These types of arrangements give our young members the opportunity to further the artistic skills they need to forge a path in the arts," said Songhees Chief Ron Sam. "Our Nation members thank all that have been involved in bringing the mural project to life. We also thank our talented artists for doing an amazing job. The artwork created by the mural team is simply outstanding and Songhees Nation looks forward to the day the artwork goes up," continued Chief Sam.

The mural, which will feature imagery of wildlife and vegetation traditionally found in the area, and traditional Lekwungen design elements will be displayed on Government Street and Pembroke Street. The artwork is courtesy of Butch Dick from the Songhees First Nation and Darlene Gait from the Esquimalt First Nation.

For Tervita and BC Hydro, the intent is to support community members in an important initiative that promotes cultural awareness and creates meaningful job opportunities. The mural project is a great chance for several youth to obtain their first summer job and gain hands-on capacity development.

"Not only will this showcase great work by local artists, but this mural project will provide an opportunity to tell a story of this area and the relationship people have had with it for generations," said Donia Snow, Executive Director, Aboriginal Relations for BC Hydro.

"Supporting this project is a demonstration of Tervita's commitment to building and maintaining value-added, long-term relationships with communities where we live, work and operate," says Scott McLeod, community and aboriginal relations advisor for Tervita and member of the Songhees Nation.

An unveiling ceremony is anticipated upon project completion in November 2014.

About BC Hydro

BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable power to British Columbians for more than 50 years while maintaining among the lowest rates in North America. BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation that serves 1.9 million customers and invests in the electrical system and in energy conservation to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity for today's customers and for generations to come.

About Tervita

Tervita is a leading North American environmental solutions provider. Our integrated earth, water, waste and resource solutions deliver safe and efficient results through all phases of a project by minimizing impact, maximizing returns.™ More than 4,000 dedicated employees are trusted sustainability partners to oil and gas, construction, mining, government and communities. Safety is our highest priority: it influences our actions and shapes our culture.

To view the project, please join us at the Songhees Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Road on September 4, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.