Gilakas'la! This word of welcome and thanks is frequently heard from the 'Namgis peoples of Alert Bay.
Their home on Cormorant Island (known as 'Yalis) is the cultural arts and heritage centre of the Kwakwaka'wakw, a collection of First Nations bands inhabiting the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.
Overlooking horseshoe-shaped Alert Bay from an elevated plateau, the Big House (Gukwdzi) is the ceremonial meeting place of the 'Namgis.
The vaulted space, modelled on traditional Kwakwaka'wakw residences and big enough to hold 1,200 people, is filled with the sound of drums, dancing feet, ritual song, and the scent of cedar, hemlock, and woodsmoke during potlatch ceremonies.
While potlatches are not open to the public, the Big House's painted facade is a must-see from the parking lot, accessible from Park Street (turn right off Front Street just prior to the entrance to U'mista). Also located there is a slim and towering 52.7m/173ft totem pole – the world's tallest – carved with images of man, wolf, thunderbird, bear, salmon and raven, among other significant figures.
T'sasala Cultural Group
Aside from receiving a personal invitation from a family involved in the potlatch, the one way to walk through the painted doors of the Big House is by attending a public dance performance here. The T'sasala Cultural Group don colorful regalia and perform traditional songs and dances during hour-long performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays in July and August.
Culture Shock Interactive Gallery
Storytelling events, canoe tours, cedar weaving workshops, and salmon barbeques are offered by the Culture Shock Interactive Gallery on Front Street near the ferry dock. Sessions last for two hours and are held twice daily Thursday through Saturday from mid-May to the end of September. Pre-booking is required.
Old 'Namgis Burial Ground
View a collection of memorial and totem poles from Fir Street just east of the village centre. The Visitor Centre's "Totem Poles of Alert Bay" brochure tells the story in detail. Park in the adjacent lot and respectfully stay off the grass when viewing the old 'Namgis burial ground from the sidewalk.
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