Native
Culture
Northern Lights
is a long-time advocate of appreciation of the Native heritage of
the British Columbia coast. We cooperate with the First Nations
(Native) peoples and use and promote services provided by First
Nations individuals. We do our best to help inform our guests of
the culture and history of the original inhabitants of the areas
we know best. In these ways, we hope all our guests will in some
ways contribute to and develop a greater appreciation for these
people whose traditional territories we travel through.
It is believed
that native peoples first migrated to Vancouver Island 8000 to 10000
years ago. Today, the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwak'wala speaking) peoples
comprise approximately twenty four percent of the total population
living in the North Vancouver Island, Port McNeill area. There are
many village sites located throughout the North Island. The Native
(First Nations) tribes, or bands, residing in the area include the
'Namgis, Mamililikulla Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em and Ma'amtagila.
The First Nations
peoples have played a huge role in the history of this area and
continue to be a major factor in its present and future. Their traditions
and cultures have been threatened ever since the first Europeans
visited Vancouver Island in the late 1700s, and the struggles to
retain and recover their languages, land and cultures continue to
the present day.
 Paddling
in the waters in and around Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound,
we often come across reminders of the area's first inhabitants.
Whether we are landing on a midden (white clamshell) beach, spotting
pictographs on the rocks, or visiting an abandoned native village
site, we are always keeping in mind those who came here before us,
and appreciating their myths and traditions.
 We
have a unique and valued friendship with the Namgis, Mamalilikulla
Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em, and Klowitsis bands that provides
for our use of a special camp site on Yukusam Island through the
Yukusam Heritage Society. The Mamalilikulla Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em
have for many years invited us to camp on their reserve and to visit
their abandoned village site on Village Island. We highly value
and are grateful for our long relationship with this band.
We highly recommend
taking time during your visit to learn about the fascinating history
of this area and its peoples. Alert Bay (see below) offers an excellent
opportunity for our guests to experience the resurgence of native
culture firsthand.
 Alert
Bay
Alert Bay is a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill. It
is located on Cormorant Island and is home to the 'Namgis
(or Nimpkish) First Nation, who settled here after occupying territory
on Vancouver Island for many generations. Alert Bay is the largest
native community on the British Columbia coast, and includes the
U'Mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay Big House, 'Namgis
Burial Grounds, Big Tree Interpretive Trail, and the world's tallest
totem pole. There are six round-trip ferries between Port McNeill
and Alert Bay each day, and the walk-on admission is $6.00 CAD per
person.
Visit http://alertbay.ca
or www.alertbay.com
for more information.
 U'Mista
Cultural Centre
This renowned centre was built in 1980 and houses an incredible
collection of historical artifacts depicting the
Potlatch Ceremony of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. It
also includes a collection of historic and contemporary artwork
from the Kwakwaka'wakw. Native carvers work on the
premises and the Centre is also used for education and the teaching
of the Kwak'wala language and 'Namgis customs. The
building was constructed using traditional Kwakwaka'wakw
design and materials. There are also an impressive mask display
and gift shop on site. The Centre is open 9am - 5pm daily throughout
the summer and 9am - 5pm M-F the rest of the year.
Visit www.umista.org
for more information.
 T'sasala
Cultural Group
The T'sasala Cultural Group features traditional Kwakwaka'wakw
dances, performed throughout July and August at the Alert Bay Big
House. Performances
are at 1:15pm Thursdays through Saturdays during the summer and
admission price is $15 CAD.
See www.umista.org/dances/dances.asp
for more information,
or contact Andrea Cranmer (coordinator) at 250-974-5475 or maxinux@island.net.
 Culture
Shock
The Culture Shock
Gallery is 100% aboriginal owned and operated and offers a variety
of interactive cultural experiences. You can weave your own cedar
bracelet, listen to traditional storytelling, partake in a salmon
barbeque or paddle a native canoe. You can also view their collection
of clothing, jewelry, crafts and wearable cedar.
The various 'Namgis Roots Experiences happen at: 10am and 3pm
on: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; July - September.
For a schedule
and more information visit cultureshockgallery.ca
or contact the gallery at 250-974-2484 or info@cultureshockgallery.ca.
Culture shock is only a two minute walk from the Alert Bay Ferry.
 Just
Art
While you're
in Port McNeill you may want to stop by Just Art. They feature an
impressive collection of local First Nations paintings, carvings,
prints and jewelry. They are located on Campbell Way (the main street
in town) and are open from 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday, 9am
- 5pm Saturday, and 11am - 3pm Sunday.
See www.justart.ca
for more information.
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