Alert Bay - Old and New

February-March 2003

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Lillian Hunt

The new big house at Alert Bay. Alan Wilson photo

Thousands of visitors travel to historic Alert Bay each year, attracted by the community's rich First Nations culture and its beautiful environment. Alert Bay, situated on tiny Cormorant Island off northeast Vancouver Island, can be reached by a 45 minute ferry ride from Port McNeill.

Originally the wintering home to the 'Namgis First Nation, one of 18 tribes of the Kwakwaka'wakw, Alert Bay is now their permanent residence. This once thriving fishing village is also home to the world renowned U'mista Cultural Centre (www.umista.org) that provides information and displays artifacts related to the formerly banned potlatch ceremonies. Despite previous efforts of the authorities to snuff out the Kwak'wala language, ban their potlatch, and force them to surrender their masks, whistles and associated regalia, the Kwakwaka'wakw traditions have survived.

Over the last four years, aboriginal and other entrepreneurs in Alert Bay, realizing the potential of tourism, have begun offering many activities for tourists. There are now First Nations guided cultural walking tours and kayak tours of the traditional territories of the 'Namgis people. Visitors can watch cultural dance performances, enjoy a salmon barbecue, take a tour on a converted fish boat, visit the impressive U'mista Cultural Centre to shop for local First Nations art and view the Potlatch Collection reclaimed from around the world. An ecological park offers an incredible view of cedars ('Tree of Life' to the Kwakwaka'wakw) draped in hanging moss and whispering the sounds of ancestral voices.

Visitors to Alert Bay can stroll through the charming main street of colourful shops and enjoy the restaurants, or stay in one of many B&Bs and cabins located throughout the island. The newly constructed boardwalk and fishing pier add to the beauty of the shoreline - a beachcomber's delight that surrounds the 3.5 mile long island. Further along this shoreline is the 'Namgis campground, Gwakawe (tourab@island.net) accessible to paddlers.

For booking cultural activities, contact the U'mista Cultural Centre, PO Box 253, Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0.

Ph: 250-974-2260.
Fax: 250-974-5499.
E-mail: umista@island.net.

For general accommodation and travel information, contact Alert Bay Info Centre, Bag Service 2800, Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0. Ph: 250-974-5024. Fax: 250-974-5026.

E-mail: info@alertbay.ca.

Thanks to Lillian Hunt, Tourism Alert Bay.