Métis Nation of British Columbia Unveils Historic Point Ellice House
The Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) has recently reopened the historic Point Ellice House in Victoria, marking a significant milestone for the community.
Point Ellice House, built in 1861, houses an extensive collection of Victorian-era artifacts and has been a prominent fixture on Victoria’s heritage registry since its designation as a National Historic Site in 1966. The site, known for its scenic location along the Gorge waterway, provides a unique window into the past reflecting old Victoria’s history.
MNBC’s management of the site is particularly meaningful for the Métis community, as it offers a chance to integrate Métis heritage into the broader narrative of British Columbia’s history. Patrick Harriott, MNBC’s Minister of Culture, Heritage, and Language, highlighted the initiative as an opportunity to create an inclusive cultural hub. The goal is to foster reconciliation through education, cultural understanding, and collaboration, transforming Point Ellice House into a space for meaningful dialogue about Victoria’s history and Métis heritage.
The House
Situated on land once part of the sprawling estate of John Work, an Irish immigrant who rose to prominence as a Chief Factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), and his wife Josette Legacé who’s lineage was a blend of her French-Canadian voyageur father, Pierre Legacé, and her Nez Perce mother. Work was an inaugural member of Vancouver Island’s Legislative Council and the house carries the legacy of a bygone era.
Among the notable figures associated with Point Ellice House are Governor James Douglas, William McNeill, John Tod, and Charles Ross, all of whom had First Nations or Métis wives. Oral histories passed down through generations offer glimpses into how Indigenous wives maintained their own vibrant social circles within a colonial context.
The Gardens
Photo: Point Ellice House
The gardens at the house are a significant aspect of this historic site, providing a picturesque setting that complements the 19th-century Italianate cottage. The gardens embody the British Picturesque aesthetic, which emphasizes natural, irregular landscapes designed to create an idyllic and serene environment (You can read more about the heritage value of the house and gardens here).
The gardens feature a variety of mature trees and lawns for croquet and tennis, which were popular pastimes during the Victorian era. Maintained to reflect their historic origins, the gardens provide a green haven amidst Victoria’s urban landscape.
Photo: Point Ellice House
New Trading Post
The site has recently introduced a new trading post which offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase a variety of Métis-crafter goods, including traditional arts, crafts, and other cultural items. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of Métis culture and heritage through these authentic products. The trading post’s introduction aligns with MNBC’s commitment to cultural preservation and education.
For more information about visiting the house, gardens and new trading post at Point Ellice House, please explore their official website.
Point Ellice House and Gardens
May 10 to November 16 – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday to Sunday
2616 Pleasant St, Victoria BC V8T 4V3
For more information, please visit pointellicehouse.com
