Lekwungen Paddle received in support of Indigenous Peoples Declaration

The handing over of the “lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Paddle marks an official call on sports organisations, institutions, governments, Commonwealth Games organisers, and Indigenous peoples to work together to support and implement the spirit and actions of the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples. 

On the road to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Paddle will serve as a reminder of Commonwealth Sport’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples around the world, and the Declaration’s 10 calls to action.  

The Victoria Forum – a partnership between the University of Victoria and the Senate of Canada – presented the Paddle at an official Handover Ceremony at Canada House that included the host, the Hon. Ralph E. Goodale PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, Ava Hill, Former Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River (Canada) and Co-Chair of the CGF’s Indigenous Working Group, Jim Munson, Former Canadian Senator and Chair of the Victoria Forum (Victoria BC), Kevin Hall, President, University of Victoria, Chiefs Willie Littlechild, Ron Sam and Jerome Thomas, and Claire Carver-Dias, President, Commonwealth Sport Canada. 

The Lekwungen Paddle was commissioned for a traditional canoe welcome and presented at the 2022 Victoria Forum, to symbolise what has become the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.  

It was designed by Indigenous artist Darlene Gait from the Esquimalt nation and carved by Carey Newman of the Pacific Northwest Kwakwak’awakw peoples. “Conquest (Wolf Design)” represents unity, family and protection, bringing together colours and animals representative of the Lekwungen peoples.  

Paddles are at the heart of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of Indigenous peoples, and the Paddle is a reminder of the contributions of Indigenous peoples to sports around the world, including canoeing and kayaking as Commonwealth and Olympic sports.   

The Paddle also symbolises the necessary relentless individual and coordinated efforts on the path to reconciliation, and the power of sports in that collective journey.  

The Commonwealth Sports Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the Commonwealth Games Federation at its General Assembly in November 2023 and endorsed by Commonwealth Sports Ministers in July 2024.

President Jenkins said, “This milestone event symbolises a significant step in advancing reconciliation and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples within the Commonwealth, with the Lekwungen Paddle serving as a powerful symbol of the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

“This Handover Ceremony marks a historic moment of unity and collaboration, celebrating the partnership between the Victoria Forum and Commonwealth Sport. The University of Victoria, the Gustavson School of Business, and the Victoria Forum have played integral roles in the journey to where we stand today.

“I want to express my thanks to the Canadian High Commissioner and Canada House for hosting this moment of unity today. We share a commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and opportunities of Indigenous communities, ensuring that the transformative power of sport benefits all. Learning from the past, let us all move forward positively together and create a future where sport unites us all in a spirit of respect, empowerment, and wellbeing.”

The Hon. Ralph E. Goodale PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, said, “Sport plays a vital role in fostering peaceful co-existence and advancing reconciliation on a global scale. We are honoured to host this moment of unity at Canada House, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples. This occasion is particularly poignant, as it brings us full circle from the Declaration's inception at Canada House in 2019. We are delighted to collaborate with the Victoria Forum and the Commonwealth Games Foundation on this event, in the presence of Chiefs Willie Littlechild, Ron Sam, Jerome Thomas and former Chief Ava Hill." 

Ava Hill, Former Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River (Canada) and Co-Chair of the CGF’s Indigenous Working Group said, "This Paddle, which is being presented to the Commonwealth Games Federation by the Chiefs of the Songhees and Esquimalt, is a symbol of the importance of the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.  It reflects the rich history, culture and pride of the Indigenous Peoples and will serve to provide inspiration to Indigenous Peoples, especially the youth, to dream big and to work hard to achieve those dreams."   

Claire Carver-Dias, President, Commonwealth Sport Canada, said, ”Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) is proud to be the first national Commonwealth Sport Association to sign this important declaration. CSC is committed to showing leadership, to improving relationships between nations and to improving our own understanding of Indigenous peoples and their cultures. We are committed to implementing the spirit and actions of this declaration to advance reconciliation and partnerships with Indigenous peoples to give young Indigenous people hope and inspiration to achieve success in sports, and in their lives.” 

Jim Munson, Former Canadian Senator and Chair of the Victoria Forum (Victoria BC), said, “The Lekwungen Paddle is a powerful symbol that will inspire Indigenous athletes around the world. The Victoria Forum is pleased to have played a key role in the development of the Lekwungen Declaration.” 

Kevin Hall, President, University of Victoria, said, “The University of Victoria is committed to the advancement of truth, respect and reconciliation. We know that it takes cooperation and teamwork for these actions to succeed,” says Kevin Hall, President of the University of Victoria. “Athletics benefit both the individual and the community — it builds connection, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose and achievement. We are so proud that the Lək̓ʷəŋən Declaration aims to increase the accessibility of sport and recreation for Indigenous peoples around the world, because we are always at our best when we work together.”  

Chief Jerome Thomas said, "From the ancestral territories of the Esquimalt Nation to the grand stage of the Commonwealth Games, I am humbled to represent both Canada and Indigenous peoples. These Games exemplify how sport can unite us, while reminding us that true excellence comes from embracing diversity and working together toward reconciliation and mutual understanding."  

Main image Caption: Chief Wilton Littlechild with the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Paddle