New Indigenous mural unveiled beneath Johnson Street Bridge

A colourful new mural has appeared beneath Victoria’s Johnson Street Bridge, giving pedestrians a new piece of public art to admire as they wander beneath the downtown bridge..

Titled The Salish Sea Remembers, the Indigenous mural celebrates the region’s rich cultural history and the connection between the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples and the surrounding waterways.

The artwork was designed by Indigenous artist Melissa Barnhard, also known as Nawhea’mowha, and was painted by Barnhard alongside Jesse Campbell.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) recently shared photos of the completed mural, highlighting its colourful depiction of marine life and Indigenous storytelling.

Among the artwork’s features is Camossung, an important figure in lək̓ʷəŋən creation stories who is recognized as a protector of the waterway.

The mural also features reversing waterfalls, herring, a family of orcas and other marine life found throughout the region.

Together, the images tell a story of the deep relationship between the land, water and the Indigenous peoples who have called the area home for thousands of years.

For those familiar with Victoria’s waterfront, the artists’ work may already look familiar.

Barnhard has another piece of artwork depicting an orca wrapped around a marina pile in the Inner Harbour.

Campbell also has a connection to one of Victoria’s best-known public art installations, having led the restoration of the Unity Wall mural along the Ogden Point Breakwater in 2024 and 2025.

The new mural adds to a growing collection of Indigenous public art throughout downtown Victoria, helping bring local history, culture and storytelling into everyday public spaces.

The GVHA congratulated both artists and the City of Victoria’s culture team on the completed project.

Residents and visitors can check out the mural beneath the Johnson Street Bridge along the pedestrian route connecting Vic West and downtown Victoria.

Those interested in discovering more Indigenous artwork around the city can also explore the City of Victoria’s online collection of lək̓ʷəŋən public art.