Whatever becomes of a century-old home near Walbran Park, Ron Rice is determined the phrase "Cumming and going" will be etched artfully on the threshold.
In Marion Cumming's will, she leaves leaves the the land on Sunny Lane to the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, where Rice, hereditary name Wush'q, is executive director.
Cummings, a well-known Oak Bay artist among other things, is also adamant to not have anything named for her. It's a promise Rice intends to keep - thus the artwork.
Theirs is a years-long relationship with respect flowing both ways.
In the spirit of reconciliation Cumming calls her little piece of Oak Bay Chikawich Sacred Land, a sign of respect for old burial sites on nearby Gonzales Hill. Chikawich is the revived Indigenous name for McNeill Bay, and the name of the village once nestled around the bay.
Rice admits there are challenges to utilizing the large home in a fairly urban setting.
Early thoughts include using it for an artist-in-residence or writer-in-residence, a retreat, or a meeting space for mothers.
