Indigenous artists create new crest for Saanich Police

The Saanich Police Department has unveiled a newly designed police crest featuring artwork by Indigenous artists.

The project, which began in late 2020, was spearheaded by the department’s Committee for Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education. The goal was to develop a crest that better reflects the lands on which the District of Saanich sits—within the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən peoples.

For decades, the department had used the District of Saanich’s Coat of Arms. But the committee said they saw an opportunity to create a more meaningful and representative emblem for officers to wear.

After receiving approval from the Canadian Heraldic Authority in 2021, the committee began working with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council to follow cultural protocols and commission artists from both Indigenous communities.

W̱SÁNEĆ artist Tom LaFortune proposed the raven as the crest’s central element. The raven, a symbol of communication and guardianship in many Indigenous cultures, was then illustrated by W̱SÁNEĆ artist Douglas “Bear” Horne. It represents the department’s community policing approach, rooted in trust, openness, and inclusiveness.

Also featured in the crest are two Indigenous-style maple leaves illustrated by lək̓ʷəŋən artist Clarence “Butch” Dick. The leaves, flanking a dogwood flower, honour the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, while the dogwood represents British Columbia. The overall laurel of maple leaves symbolizes Canada.

The design also incorporates twin green peaks, representing Mount Douglas Park (PKOLS) and Mount Tolmie—two regional landmarks in Saanich.

The Canadian Royal Crown sits at the top of the crest, signifying the department’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.

The new crest was formally approved in late 2024.

“I want to extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to the artists, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, and all the members of our Committee for Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education for their passion and dedication to this project,” said Chief Constable Dean Duthie in a statement.

“A police crest is integral to the identity of our culture and organization. When people see our new crest, I want them to immediately associate it with professionalism, safety, and trust. I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to modernize and evolve as a police department, and I believe this crest truly reflects our values, vision, and the community we serve.”