BC Transit and Songhees First Nation Elder Clarence “Butch” Dick partner to create beautiful Indigenous bus design
An inspiring and visually stunning electric bus is set to enter service in the Victoria Regional Transit System, marking the culmination of a growing partnership between BC Transit and one of Vancouver Island’s preeminent Indigenous artists.
Songhees First Nation Elder Clarence “Butch” Dick (Yux’wey’lupton) is an internationally renowned carver, artist, educator and knowledge sharer whose work has built connections between people, cultures and communities. Butch has spent decades sharing Indigenous art, culture, and teachings through education, curriculum development and language revitalization. A passionate educator, he taught Indigenous art in Greater Victoria schools for 25 years, inspiring generations of young people to explore creativity, culture and identity.
Elder Dick collaborated with BC Transit employees to create a bus design that captures the beauty and integrity of his work. Through storytelling and powerful imagery, the bus invites riders and community members to learn, reflect and build understanding.
The artwork draws on traditional Lək̓ʷəŋən stories connected to the lands and waters of the west coast. At the heart of the design is a traditional Lək̓ʷəŋən origin story.
“Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples are wolf people, and most Coast Salish people are wolf people,” said Elder Butch Dick. “Our origin story is that there was a pod of whales swimming in a circle in a bay, and as they broke for shore they transformed into sea wolves. And once they hit the shore they turned into wolves of all different colours and then established villages along the coast.”
This project was months in the making, with multiple people from BC Transit involved in the process, starting with Hervey Simard, a Web Strategist on the Digital Experience Team. He first came into contact with Elder Dick when he was working with the Victoria Police, and Butch created the wolf included in their new police crest and logo. Hervey reached out early in 2026, and once Butch agreed to explore things further, BC Transit’s Manager of Indigenous Relations, Svea Wilson stepped in. She spent significant time with him to work through the concept and ensure things were progressing in a way that met his artistic integrity and standards. The project really came to life when Butch began working with BC Transit Graphic Designer Antonio Escude. Butch brought forward many designs that he thought would best represent the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, and Antonio used a heavy-duty bus as his canvas to incorporate original artwork and language into a stunning design that will turn heads in the Victoria Regional Transit System.
“When the opportunity to work alongside Butch arose, I was excited to be included on this project,” said Antonio Escude. “We listened to an accomplished artist explain his process while learning the meanings behind ancestral stories and works from the very same respected Elder and teacher. My aim was to honour the artist, his artwork, and to respect the traditional knowledge that has been passed down and continues to this day. I hope that people enjoy seeing this bus out in the community.”
Pictured: Elder Butch Dick (left) and BC Transit Graphic Designer Antonio Escude
Elder Butch Dick shared that he was impressed with the final outcome and Antonio’s work, describing him as a talented artist and a wonderful partner throughout the project. He also shared the significance of this work, not only for himself but what it can signify for other Indigenous artists.
“It’s exciting as an artist to be involved in this project. I hope people will talk about it, because I believe art is a conduit to understanding,” said Elder Dick. “To carry a gift as an artist is a gift from the Creator. This is a gift that requires constant nourishment. A gift is not a gift unless it is shared. There are many emerging young First Nations artists in our community, and I hope they see this bus and are encouraged that they can do this too.”
The bus will soon enter service in the Victoria Regional Transit System and will operate on several routes throughout the region for the foreseeable future. Additional information is available on board the bus about the meaning behind the design, along with the life and background of the artist. You can also find that information here.
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange ribbons will be displayed on bus mirrors in Victoria and beyond, and some Operators may wear orange shirts to show support. BC Transit honours the resilience, strength, and voices of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize that this day is not only one of reflection and learning, but also to honour and remember those who did not make it home, survivors, intergenerational survivors, and their families and communities.
More information about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is available here: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/.