A vision for a First Peoples House on University of Victoria grounds has become a reality.

There’s the obvious evidence of construction fences and neon tape, but there’s more. Behind the doors of three First Nations artists’ workshops creations representing the spirit of indigenous people are taking shape.

“It will be a home away from home for aboriginal students on campus,” said Martin Segger, director of the Maltwood Art Museum at UVic.

The facility will play host to not just Coast and Strait Salish Nations, but also indigenous people from around the world.

Designed by Chipweyan architect Alfred Waugh, the $7 million project will contain academic, administrative and ceremonial facilities. Waugh designed the main entryway with large cedar posts and a space to showcase the First Nations art being created. The building is slated to be finished by June 2009.

Twenty minutes away, in Brentwood Bay, Tsartlip Nation carver Charles W. Elliot works on one of the two house posts for the university’s new building. Elliot estimates it will take three months to carve and sand each post made from old growth, red cedar logs hailing from the Jordan River.

As Elliot carves, three to four frogs will take shape climbing each of the posts. They will crawl up from braided rope telling the tale of the Great Flood of Lau Wel New -- the area we know as Mt. Newton.

“In Coast Salish culture the (story of the) emerging of the frogs (from the flood waters) represents a new beginning,” said Elliot. “When the frogs sing in the springtime, it is the beginning of a new cycle.”

Elliot’s work will stand inside the house, which is entered through large, carved doors crafted by Squamish Nation carver Xwa-lack-tun, also known as Rick Harry. The doorway carvings include a thunderbird, salmon and orca.

Framing the walkway up to the carved door will be two welcoming posts depicting a traditional Coast Salish man and a woman holding a child, created by Tsawout First Nation carver Doug Lafortune.

Segger said the three artists were selected from about 20 applicants who proposed ideas for the three pieces.

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