Reconciling the Traditional Relationship of Indigenous Peoples with ‘Mee-a-can’ (Beacon Hill Park)
Daniel Lanigan and Olivia Hall
Summary
Beacon Hill Park is considered as “an oasis of both natural and landscaped beauty” (City of Victoria, 2012). The park, formerly known to the Lekwungen Indigenous peoples as Mee-a-can, is an example of a landscape that has been heavily altered and redesigned over its history, with roots heavily tied to Indigenous ownership and land use; toward a shift to colonial power and ownership (Victoria Archives, 2016). It is within this shift in power that this park has seen changes to its biotic and abiotic characteristics, such as the introduction of invasive and non-native species as well as the implementation of man made lakes and hydrological systems (Ringuette, 2007). This case study examines how the impacts of colonialism have fabricated novel ecological dynamics on the area and furthermore considers how differing human values pertaining to nature have impacted the ecological integrity of the park. This project poses the question on the future trajectory of Mee-a-can where it will either move toward reconciling the traditional indigenous values of the landscape or continue to play out its colonial business-as-usual model. |
Genealogy
The 75 hectare landscape of Beacon Hill Park located along the Juan de Fuca Strait in Victoria, British Columbia was historically shaped and managed by the Lekwungen Indigenous people. It is important to acknowledge the lack of historical data in the forms of sketches or photographs on the original state of Mee-a-can, now more commonly called Beacon HIll Park. A large source of knowledge was through oral histories and archival information on the transition of Beacon Hill Park from Indigenous cultivated land to a colonial envisioned park.
The south-facing hillside of the park, formerly known as Mee-a-can by the Lekwungen people, meaning “belly”, refer to the hill’s resemblance of a “fat man lying on his back” (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). Historically, Mee-a-can was a biodiverse area, bursting with native plants and animals that were largely managed and maintained by Indigenous peoples in the area. In oral histories, the area is described as having “vast open meadows and grasslands” with an abundance of native grasses and flowers that grew all over the 184 acres (Ringuette, 2004). The Lekwungen people, traditionally women, had been cultivating camas on the landscape for centuries, as well as other native plant species (Kemp 2007).
Mee-a-can played an important cultural role in the area because its abundant camas beds played a significant part in Indigenous diets, with camas being a staple food product |
for the Lekwungen (Ringuette, 2004). In spring months, the fields of Mee-a-can would flourish with Blue Camas flowers (Camassia quamash), as seen below (Ringuette, 2004).
Some of the other native herbaceous species that historically inhabited the landscape were cow-parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), sword fern (Polystichum munitum), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), miners-lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), sweet-cicely (Myrrhis odorata), and many more (Fletcher & Oldershaw, 1989). Another prominent ecological feature of the area was the abundance of native Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) trees (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). Some trees are up to 350 years old, which attract a variety of wild bird species to the area (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). This photo below resembles what the landscape would have looked historically.
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Largely, prior to contact, the landscape resembled a natural ecosystem that flourished with culturally significant plants and species that supported the Indigenous peoples in the area. 1842 was the final year of Indigenous control and traditional use of the land (Ringuette, 2004). The ecological genealogy of Mee-a-can, now more commonly known as Beacon Hill Park matched the British 19th century idea of the perfect picturesque countryside (Ringuette, 2014). It was the park setting of open grassland and wildflowers dotted with groups of Garry Oak trees upon a background of hills and water that captivated James Douglas in establishing his site for the new Hudson’s Bay Company fort (Ringuette, 2004). The grasslands admired by British settlers were assumed to be natural and unused, however it wasn’t until later realizations that they had been actively created and shaped by the Lekwungen people for centuries (City of Victoria Archives, 2016).
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European settlement in 1842 significantly altered the ecological genealogy of Beacon Hill Park (Simpson, 2015). The Garry Oak meadows and presence of native plant species within the area became significantly degraded as The Hudson’s Bay Company ploughed camas meadows to plant European crops such as wheat, barley, oats, peas, potatoes and turnips (Ringuette, 2004). Additionally, colonizers grazed cattle, sheep, horses and pigs on the former Lekwungen meadows and grasslands (Ringuette, 2004).
The biodiversity and ecological integrity of Beacon Hill Park was significantly compromised and altered from colonial agricultural and urban development (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). Invasive non-native species were introduced and the controlled burning practiced by the Lekwungen peoples as part of their traditional cultivation and management practices became prohibited (Kemp, 2007). An example of this significant change in land usage was in 1862, as seen in the image below, where Beacon Hill Park hosted a birthday celebration for Queen Victoria (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Historically, post contact, Governor James Douglas is credited for preserving this land for park purposes in the 1850’s (Adams, 1993). Over the history of this parks creation, legal and ownership frameworks that apply to Beacon Hill Park have been largely contested due to the transfer of the land between a variety of governing bodies |
and the Lekwungen people. In 1859, the Hudson’s Bay Company claimed Beacon Hill Park from the Indigenous peoples that resided and cultivated the land for centuries (Beacon Hill Park, 2015).
Over the next ten years, Beacon Hill Park’s ownership was up in the air between the municipality of Victoria and the legislative council (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Both felt that either were incapable of managing the area to its potential, and debated on ownership until 1869 (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). That year, “Beacon Hill Park was withdrawn from City limits and fell under the jurisdiction of the Colony’s Department of Lands and Works” (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). This ownership struggled to take the governing actions and resources required for the park, and was later “turned over to the City of Victoria in 1882” (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Beacon Hill Park remains within that trust today (Beacon Hill Park, 2015).
The colonial landscaping of the park and the building of artificial lakes implemented in 1889 had significant ecological implications on the traditional ecological integrity of the area (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). Overall, the park holds culturally significant relationships to the native species historically found, but through colonial pressures the landscape has been altered to fit the criteria of a British public park.
Over the next ten years, Beacon Hill Park’s ownership was up in the air between the municipality of Victoria and the legislative council (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Both felt that either were incapable of managing the area to its potential, and debated on ownership until 1869 (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). That year, “Beacon Hill Park was withdrawn from City limits and fell under the jurisdiction of the Colony’s Department of Lands and Works” (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). This ownership struggled to take the governing actions and resources required for the park, and was later “turned over to the City of Victoria in 1882” (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Beacon Hill Park remains within that trust today (Beacon Hill Park, 2015).
The colonial landscaping of the park and the building of artificial lakes implemented in 1889 had significant ecological implications on the traditional ecological integrity of the area (City of Victoria Archives, 2016). Overall, the park holds culturally significant relationships to the native species historically found, but through colonial pressures the landscape has been altered to fit the criteria of a British public park.
Socio-ecological characterization
Beacon Hill park has drastically changed over its history, from a shift in Indigenous ownership to colonial development and control. Although the landscape itself has been reinvented and altered, similar historical characteristics still show through to the public. Beacon Hill Park is considered as “an oasis of both natural and landscaped beauty” (City of Victoria, 2012). It is considered to be one of the most significant Canadian public parks to date (Ringuette, 2004), consisting of native and exotic plant species, open meadows, grass fields, as well as artificially constructed lakes and streams (Ringuette, 2004).
The native plant species as previously mentioned in the ecological genealogy section above, still inhabit the park to this day. Garry oak trees continue to be the most prominent and important tree species in the park; some |
present for over 300 years old (Ringuette, 2004). Although there is still a substantial amount of native species that reside within Mee-a-can, their abundances have drastically declined within the area.
Introduced exotic species present within the park consist of English elm (Ulmus minor 'Atinia'), Pine trees (Pinus), Eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus Labill), Dandelion (Taraxacum), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), English bluebells (Endymion non-scriptus), Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), and English Ivy (Hedera helix)(Ringuette, 2004). The introduced invasive plants that inhabit the park threaten the growth and ecological integrity of native species mentioned above and continue to significantly alter the ecological characteristics of the park.
Artificially constructed lakes and streams additionally alter the present day ecological characteristics of Beacon Hill Park. Park staff continuously work hard to improve the water quality of the artificially implemented Goodacre Lake (Ringuette, 2007). Since 2002, aerators, pumps and bubblers operate twenty-four hours a day to increase the oxygen level within the water (Ringuette, 2007). Beneficial bacteria, powdered microbes, and aluminum sulfate are continuously added to reduce nutrients, algae growth, pH and alkalinity; this serves to consume sediment and furthermore improve the water clarity of the artificial lake (Ringuette, 2007). These artificial implementations continue to alter the distinctive biological and hydrological processes within the park. Beacon Hill Park serves a large regional and visitor population looking for a variety of experiences including connecting to nature, sports and recreation, socializing, or simply admiring the landscape and absorbing the local history (City of Victoria, 2012). The park is considered a valuable recreational area to the City of Victoria that is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals annually (City of Victoria, 2012). Beacon Hill Park consists of many recreational amenities such as sports fields, playgrounds, a petting zoo, and aesthetic flower gardens (Ringuette, 2007). Visitors and tourists can also enjoy Horse-drawn carriage rides, as well as a putting green to |
practice their golf skills (Beacon Hill Park, 2015). Despite these many attractions, these varying uses of the park can ultimately present complications with management strategies and objectives. A detailed map of the many activities Beacon Hill Park has to offer can be seen in Figure 1.
The park is currently managed by the City of Victoria’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture (City of Victoria, 2012). Over the years, Beacon Hill Park has adopted a typical English landscape style with significant modifications to create a ‘picturesque’ landscape. Current park management have prohibited traditional land management practices of the Lekwungen people, such as prescribed burning (Ringuette, 2004). It will be interesting to see how this park will adapt and alter into the future, especially with the large scale changes it has seen in its past. |
Future trajectory
Mee-a-can is an example of a landscape that has been heavily altered and redesigned over its history, with roots heavily tied to Indigenous ownership and land use; toward a shift to colonial power and development (Victoria Archives, 2016). It is within this shift in power that this park has seen changes to its biotic and abiotic characteristics, such as the introduction of invasive and non-native species as well as the implementation of human-made lakes and hydrological systems (Ringuette, 2007). Alongside these ecosystem changes comes the changes toward the cultural context the park holds, and how it is utilized by the public. The park has seen a transformation from land cultivation and subsistence by Indigenous peoples to what we see now as the alteration of the landscape to fit British ideas of a picturesque countryside (Ringuette, 2004). Along this timeline, we have seen Indigenous peoples and cultural ties toward the land be pushed aside and ignored. It is important that we identify the potential trajectory for what this place could become in the future while touching on reconciliation of the traditional ecological relationship between Indigenous peoples and Mee-a-can.
The cultural restoration of this area is vital in its future trajectory. By reconciling relationships with Indigenous peoples who once owned the land, we can begin to repair the damage done to this relationship. By acknowledging burial cairns within the area and protecting them with signage, we can create a stronger sense of respect and recognition (Ringuette, 2004). Furthermore, as Mike Simpson discusses from his 2015 Changing Nature Project, “practices of Lekwungen land management can act as a powerful expression of indigenous cultural resurgence that could serve as a catalyst for broader processes of
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Ecologically speaking, Beacon Hill Park has seen major changes to its structure and functions. We believe that the future of Beacon Hill’s ecology could include a revitalization of its Native plant species that have inhabited the area for centuries. This could be initiated by implementing ethnobotanical gardens, that will provide park visitors the experience to reconnect with native species and the cultural importance they hold within the area, promoting education and conservation. We don’t see the eradication of the human made lakes and streams due to economic costs, but when these areas are managed properly and monitored for their water quality, they can provide habitats for native bird species to breed and feed. |
decolonization and the eventual emergence of a more just and right relationship between [sic] settler society, the Lekwungen people, and the Lekwungen homelands” (Simpson, 2015). By providing areas where Indigenous communities can come and aim to restore subsistence areas, such as camas fields, we can aim to promote the transfer of traditional ecological knowledge to future generations (Ringuette, 2004).
Another issue worth discussing is the topic of changing climates and the impacts this could potentially have for Beacon Hill Park. We believe that Mee-a-can does not pose significant consequences from these changes due to its elevation above the inundation level, but this should still be considered for the future. The topic of sea level rise is the most prominent factor that could affect the area. With rising sea levels and an increase in storm surges, Beacon Hill Park’s shoreline areas could be exposed to an increase in erosion, and should take preparatory steps to ensure seawalls and slope stabilization is considered and implemented to reduce effects (IPCC, 2014). With increasing global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, the ecological integrity of native species may additionally be at risk in the future, not to mention the effects this could have on hydrological cycles within the park.
We believe many areas of Beacon Hill Park embody the characteristics novel ecosystems describe, as dramatic anthropogenic alterations have been imposed in the area, consequently altering historic abiotic, biotic, and social components beyond the state of return. Novel ecological systems differ in composition and function from the past as a consequence of changing species distributions, environmental alterations through climate and land use change, and shifting values about nature and ecosystems (Hobbs et al., 2013). These ‘novel’ ecosystem characteristics evident within Beacon Hill Park reflect the different historic and contemporary approaches of land management and shifting values that the Lekwungen people and the City of Victoria have disagreed on. This is evident in the large scale changes the park has endured over its history. Although these novel ecosystem characteristics are present, the park also embodies historical and hybrid characteristics as well.
Another issue worth discussing is the topic of changing climates and the impacts this could potentially have for Beacon Hill Park. We believe that Mee-a-can does not pose significant consequences from these changes due to its elevation above the inundation level, but this should still be considered for the future. The topic of sea level rise is the most prominent factor that could affect the area. With rising sea levels and an increase in storm surges, Beacon Hill Park’s shoreline areas could be exposed to an increase in erosion, and should take preparatory steps to ensure seawalls and slope stabilization is considered and implemented to reduce effects (IPCC, 2014). With increasing global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, the ecological integrity of native species may additionally be at risk in the future, not to mention the effects this could have on hydrological cycles within the park.
We believe many areas of Beacon Hill Park embody the characteristics novel ecosystems describe, as dramatic anthropogenic alterations have been imposed in the area, consequently altering historic abiotic, biotic, and social components beyond the state of return. Novel ecological systems differ in composition and function from the past as a consequence of changing species distributions, environmental alterations through climate and land use change, and shifting values about nature and ecosystems (Hobbs et al., 2013). These ‘novel’ ecosystem characteristics evident within Beacon Hill Park reflect the different historic and contemporary approaches of land management and shifting values that the Lekwungen people and the City of Victoria have disagreed on. This is evident in the large scale changes the park has endured over its history. Although these novel ecosystem characteristics are present, the park also embodies historical and hybrid characteristics as well.
Overall, we believe the future trajectory for “Mee-a-can” could go one of two ways. If the park’s business-as-usual model continues into the future, the ecological integrity of native species will likely decline as well as the park’s connection to indigenous values. Changes will inevitably occur, as we have seen in the past, toward the continuous management of Beacon Hill Park to fit a British model of a picturesque countryside. As we have stated above, the future trajectory of the park could also reflect on the historical effects of colonialism, and move toward reconciliation with Indigenous communities who once managed the land. This would take shape by increasing collaboration and the involvement of traditional ecological knowledge from the Lekwungen peoples. By including culturally adaptive management practices, there will be a reduction in invasive species and an increase in the abundance of native plants, signage, respect and transparency. Ideally, these processes would be implemented by hiring an indigenous representative within the park management staff.
We believe that with our current change in government, there has been an increase in the push to reconcile our relationships with indigenous communities in the process of decolonization. As a result, we believe the future trajectory of Mee-a-can will move toward the latter of the two, with a shift toward reconciliation and indigenous acknowledgement.The future trajectory of Mee-a-can will ultimately reflect the values of the community and their relationship with the Lekwungen peoples. Which side of the conversation will you be on and support?
We believe that with our current change in government, there has been an increase in the push to reconcile our relationships with indigenous communities in the process of decolonization. As a result, we believe the future trajectory of Mee-a-can will move toward the latter of the two, with a shift toward reconciliation and indigenous acknowledgement.The future trajectory of Mee-a-can will ultimately reflect the values of the community and their relationship with the Lekwungen peoples. Which side of the conversation will you be on and support?
References
Adams, John. (1993). “C.C kept his eyes on Beacon Hill.” Islander Magazine. From City of Victoria Archives.
Beacon Hill Park. (2015). Home. Retrieved from http://www.beaconhillpark.ca/index.html on October 26, 2016.
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City of Victoria. (2012). “Beacon Hill Park.” Retrieved on October 25, 2016 from: http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/parks/beacon-hill.html
Fletcher, A & Oldershaw, H. (1989). Friends of the Southeast Wood. Presented to Victoria City Council. Retrieved on October 11, 2016 from the City of Victoria Archives.
Hobbs, R, Higgs, E, & Hall, C. (2013). “Novel ecosystems: intervening in the new ecological world order.” Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, United Kingdom.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 151 pp.
Kemp, A. (2007). A Thousand Years of History: Look beyond the petting zoo and you’ll find a long history of indigenous land use and occupation. Monday Magazine. Retrieved on October 11, 2016 from the City of Victoria Archives.
Lajoie, K. (2011). Beacon Hill Park Map. Retrieved from http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/graphics/mapsA.htm?src=mappery on October 27, 2016.
Miller, J. & Bestelmeyer, B. (2016). “What’s wrong with novel ecosystems, really?” Restoration Ecology: The Journal of the Society for Ecological Restoration.
Ringuette, J. (2004). Beacon Hill Park History. Retrieved from City of Victoria Archives.
Ringuette, J. (2007). Beacon Hill Park History. Retrieved on October 25, 2016 from: http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/contents/chapter21.htm.
Simpson, M. (2015). “The Lekwungen Food System: Novelty, Restoration and Decolonization.” The Changing Nature Project. Retrieved on December 2, 2016 from: http://changingnatureproject.weebly.com/lekwungen-food-systems.html
Victoria Daily Times. (1962). “‘Mee-a-can’ Still There.” Retrieved from City of Victoria Archives.
**Materials sourced as City of Victoria Archives (2016) were articles and reports found that did not display a title or author.
Beacon Hill Park. (2015). Home. Retrieved from http://www.beaconhillpark.ca/index.html on October 26, 2016.
City of Victoria Archives. (2016).
City of Victoria. (2012). “Beacon Hill Park.” Retrieved on October 25, 2016 from: http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/parks-rec-culture/parks/beacon-hill.html
Fletcher, A & Oldershaw, H. (1989). Friends of the Southeast Wood. Presented to Victoria City Council. Retrieved on October 11, 2016 from the City of Victoria Archives.
Hobbs, R, Higgs, E, & Hall, C. (2013). “Novel ecosystems: intervening in the new ecological world order.” Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, United Kingdom.
IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 151 pp.
Kemp, A. (2007). A Thousand Years of History: Look beyond the petting zoo and you’ll find a long history of indigenous land use and occupation. Monday Magazine. Retrieved on October 11, 2016 from the City of Victoria Archives.
Lajoie, K. (2011). Beacon Hill Park Map. Retrieved from http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/graphics/mapsA.htm?src=mappery on October 27, 2016.
Miller, J. & Bestelmeyer, B. (2016). “What’s wrong with novel ecosystems, really?” Restoration Ecology: The Journal of the Society for Ecological Restoration.
Ringuette, J. (2004). Beacon Hill Park History. Retrieved from City of Victoria Archives.
Ringuette, J. (2007). Beacon Hill Park History. Retrieved on October 25, 2016 from: http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/contents/chapter21.htm.
Simpson, M. (2015). “The Lekwungen Food System: Novelty, Restoration and Decolonization.” The Changing Nature Project. Retrieved on December 2, 2016 from: http://changingnatureproject.weebly.com/lekwungen-food-systems.html
Victoria Daily Times. (1962). “‘Mee-a-can’ Still There.” Retrieved from City of Victoria Archives.
**Materials sourced as City of Victoria Archives (2016) were articles and reports found that did not display a title or author.