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Renovated Eagles Landing Observation Lounge Opens

May 22, 2009

Today, the Victoria Airport hosted the opening celebrations of Eagles Landing, a historical exhibit and display of First Nations art by Coast Salish Master Carver Charles W. Elliott located in the newly renovated third floor observation lounge. 

Story boards take visitors to this historical exhibit on a journey through time covering four major eras:  The Saltwater People and the history of First Nations on airport lands, Contact and Colonization including the Douglas Treaties, The War Years representing the vital role this airport played during World War II, and Commercial Aviation, from the end of the war and first flights to the transfer of the airport to the Victoria Airport Authority in 1997.

Among the guests at the opening event were Rusty Hopper, the first pilot to land a plane at the Patricia Bay Air Station after the Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign was raised on October 22, 1939, Charles W. Elliott and his family and friends, local First Nations representatives, local historians, and representatives from the Town of Sidney, District of North Saanich, and the Victoria Airport Authority Board of Directors.

"We invite everybody to visit Eagles Landing and learn about the history of the airport and airport lands and to experience the beauty of Charles Elliott's traditional Coast Salish carvings" said Richard Paquette, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority.

"I am always humbled when asked to create a piece or pieces of artwork or carvings.  I don't take my involvement lightly.  I feel I am working for my people.  The artwork or carvings, I say are great ambassadors for our Saanich Salish Nation and speak to the world of our existence and history" said Charles W. Elliott.

After the festivities upstairs, guests were invited downstairs for the first viewing of Charles Elliott's "Returning Salmon", a series of swimming salmon carvings that line the bulkhead above the domestic baggage carousels.

Be sure to visit Eagles Landing located on the third floor of the terminal building next time you're at the airport!

For more information about Victoria Airport, please visit us at www.victoriaairport.com.