As the moon set over Vancouver Island, National Geographic Sea Lion made her way north towards our afternoon destination of Alert Bay.
The morning was spent cruising the waters of Johnstone Strait in search of wildlife, and just before noon our floating home began her approach to Government Dock in the center of Alert Bay. This town was established in 1870 as a center for salmon processing, drawing the Indigenous population from surrounding islands. Due to the movement away from traditional lands and the ban on potlatching, many Kwakwaka’wakw people lost touch with their cultural life. In 1951, the Canadian government lifted the ban on potlatching and the Indigenous people of Alert Bay openly built the first Big House along the northwest coast, continuing and rebuilding their cultural way of life.
We made our way to the Big House where we were hosted by the Namgis T’sasala Cultural Group. Stories were told, current politics and culture were shared. We joined a fun dance and a closing ceremonial circle around the central fire, bringing us together, grateful for the chance to understand and be a part of another culture. A short walk to the U’mista Cultural Centre completed our visit.
