Thunderbird Orca Spindle Whorl.JPG

This carving, created by Charles Elliott, can be found on the outside of the Esquimalt Municipal Hall at 1229 Esquimalt Road.

The carving represents the legend of the Thunderbird and Orca/Killer Whale. The Thunderbird is the mythical spiritual bird and the Orca would be the physical ruler with the mighty power of the sea world. The Thunderbird and Orca are always depicted in a struggle and represent the balance of power between the physical and spiritual worlds.

The First Nations people would call the Thunderbird through song, meditation and prayer to remove the Orca to distant waters to that the good fishing could return to the waters near the village. It was said in our legends that thunder claps could be heard from the flapping of the wings of the Thunderbird and lightning flashes from the blinking of the Thunderbird's eyes.

The Orca could also be a friend and a powerful wonder to the First Nations people. Orcas travel in family groups similar to wolves. The legend of the Thunderbird/Orca is held sacred by all coast First Nations people and is truly a display of the balance of power which is the theme of this carving.