Valuable First Nations carving stolen from UVic

A valuable First Nations art work has been stolen from the University of Victoria.

The cedar carving, by Tsartlip Coast Salish artist Charles W. Elliott, was discovered missing after a break-in at the Fraser building on campus that also saw a vending machine and several lockers broken into.

"The value of the art is estimated at around $10,000," acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie of Saanich Police told CBC News.

The piece was commissioned by the Faculty of Law and was created in 1995-96.

The work is carved in cedar with inlaid abaloneand depicts a central human figure flanked by two wolf figures and a frog.

"[The university is hoping] for a very quick recovery of this culturally significant piece of art," Leslie said.

Police are watching to see if the piece shows up for sale online, and are asking for witnesses who may have seen something suspicious between the hours of 5.30 p.m. PT on June 12 and 5.30 a.m. on June 13 to call Saanich Police.

With files from Megan Thomas.