A Visit to Alert Bay

After finishing up at Lund, we continued our journey ending at Alert Bay for a day of exploring.  My only regret is that we didn't have more time on this incredible little Island. 


We spent the night at the Alert Bay Lodge.  Jenn and Jack were our hosts in this beautiful little bed and breakfast at the edge of the water.  They were gracious and accommodating as they provided our lodging, meals and so much helpful information about the island.   It was great. 


After a good nights sleep we headed off into a misty, rainy day to see some of the ancient totem poles that grace this part of the world.  They are amazing, and breath taking.  The mastery of the art that created them, the stories that each one is able to tell, the things they must have witnessed through the years. 


We then headed over to the U'mista Cultural Centre to learn more about the carvings and masks and the history of the people here.  It was amazing to see the detail up close of the masks and the costumes that accompanied some of them.  The workmanship, the colours and the use of so many of Mother Nature's materials was something to see up close.  


Part of the centre focuses on the stories and history of St. Michael's Residential School and the horrors and atrocities that took place there.  The shared stories and memories can't help but touch the heart of anyone who spends time reading the descriptions of what the residents remembered from their childhood there, or rather from having their childhood lost there might be more accurate.  The healing longboat built out of individually painted and decorating building blocks was a powerful image that will stay with me a long time. 


The Potlatch Collection was also incredible as well.  I've head of Potlatch ceremonies for much of my life, but don't think I really understood their depth or their significance.  I have a new appreciation for another ancient tradition. 


When we finished at the Centre we ventured on to explore The Culture Shock Gallery where we met more wonderfully welcoming people and were introduced to more of the beautiful work that is done on and around the Island.  


The weather didn't really do much to work with us, so we decided that we'd catch the earlier ferry than originally planned.  My only disappointment was that the Orcas that everyone said and been seen around the Island continually over the last couple of days did not show up to greet us...but I know they'll make an appearance yet.  They never let me down!