The sun is shining again at Alert Bay, figuratively and literally. Last year at this time a new day dawned as the village dedicated the new big house. Today we were invited inside to see dancers and hear the drums beneath the Thunderbirds. To feel the drums and the myth of the dance; to taste the fry bread and salmon and to rejoice in the Thunderbirds and Bears who look down on the musicians and dancers, is to know that this First Nation is alive and well.
Along the Northwest Coast, the Big House is at once church, city hall, community center and largely the heart of the people. The original Big House in Alert Bay burned in 1997. The peoples' commitment to rebuild it was so strong that they bore the cost in time and money to do it in only two years. This, coupled with the marvelous collection of masks and other artifacts that they shared with us at their heritage center, is ample proof that the ancient cultures of the Pacific Northwest will continue well into the new century. To have a glimpse of this culture is at once a treat and a blessing, and a day to remember for years to come.
