The Parliament Buildings and Legislative Precinct are located on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking peoples, today known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. The Talking Stick was carved by the late James Delorme of the Songhees Nation, and represents a tradition at the Legislative Assembly that unites Indigenous culture with parliamentary traditions.
The journey of the Talking Stick began in July 2010 when the late Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees Nation gifted the Talking Stick to Lieutenant Governor Steven Point in commemoration of the naming of the Salish Sea. At a dinner with Indigenous leaders, Mr. Point presented the Talking Stick to his successor, the Honourable Judith Guichon, requesting that it be given to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and put on display in the Legislative Chamber.
In 2016, a special blessing ceremony for the Talking Stick was led by Elder Elmer George and Elder Mary Ann Thomas from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, who said a prayer in the traditional Lekwungen language. Several southern Vancouver Island Chiefs - including Chief Ron Sam of the Songhees Nation, Chief Gord Planes of the T'Sou-ke Nation, and Chief Jeff Jones of the Pacheedaht First Nation - joined with the Elders and MLAs on the floor of the Legislative Chamber to participate in this historic blessing and presentation ceremony.
Talking Sticks are a powerful symbol and communication tool used to foster an atmosphere of active listening and respect. Only the bearer of the Talking Stick has the right to speak, and those present must listen quietly to what is being said. The Talking Stick is then passed on to other speakers in turn. The Talking Stick remains in the Chamber to serve as a reminder that Indigenous peoples and reconciliation should be a consideration in all debates and discussions in the Legislative Assembly.
