Thunderbird Park, Victoria

Thunderbird Park, located in Victoria, is an enchanting park adjacent to the Royal British Columbia Museum. Within this park, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations through the presence of numerous totem poles (monumental carvings), predominantly representing the Gitxsan, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. These awe-inspiring totem poles prominently feature the mythological Thunderbird, a significant figure in Indigenous North American cultures.

Thunderbird Park features historic landmarks like Saint Anne's Schoolhouse (1844), Helmcken House (1852), and the Mungo Martin House (Wawadit'la) (1953). These structures represent the area's educational heritage, Victorian-era architecture, and traditional Kwakwaka'wakw style, respectively.

Thunderbird Park forms an integral part of the Royal BC Museum Cultural Precinct, a captivating area encompassing the museum and various historical sites and monuments. It serves as a living testament to the deep-rooted history and artistic expressions of the Indigenous peoples.

The park's story began in 1940 when totem poles were erected in Thunderbird Park to conserve Aboriginal art. The park was officially designated in 1941. However, by 1951, the original poles decayed. The Royal BC Museum launched a restoration program in 1952, led by Chief Martin. After Chief Martin's passing in 1962, Henry Hunt became the head carver. Throughout the years, talented artists like Richard Hunt, Tony Hunt, Tim Paul, Lawrence Bell, David Gladstone, David Martin, and Bill Reid joined the program. By 1992, all original poles were replaced, with some originals preserved in the museum.