This morning started in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. Morning mist coated spider webs in water drops, the webs hung sodden, like laundry forgotten on the line overnight. We walked through the fog to the U’Mista Cultural Center for the distinct privilege of viewing the collection of Kwakwaka’ wakw potlatch regalia. The story of the masks, and their subsequent return gave us a glimpse of the tenacity and resiliency of these First Nation people. The Tsasala Cultural group hosted us for a dance, a feast to the eyes and soul, and then a feast for the palate, as they shared with us smoked salmon and homemade bannock.
The day wrapped up with a sighting of a pod of resident killer whales. They swam languidly towards Johnstone Strait, our destination as well. It was an amazing day with a diversity of sights, sounds and flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
