When we arrived this morning, we disembarked and gathered in the newly dedicated Big House to view a performance of the Na'nakwala (Dawn) dancers. We observed a series of dances by young Kwakwaka'wakw people that depicted their traditional stories and legends. Afterwards we partook of a luncheon provided for the guests of Lindblad Expeditions, which included fresh salmon, salads, and fry bread.
During the afternoon we visited the U'mista Cultural Center to view the Potlatch Collection, which had finally been returned to the people after having been confiscated many years ago. Ritual objects such as masks, coppers and rattles are now exhibited in the open to express the feeling of emancipation. A person can feel the power and significance of these articles and it is a moving experience to visit the exhibit.
There was also an opportunity for a short walk in a nearby ecological reserve, where there are impressive old cedar trees and a boardwalk through a swampy area that has some unique and interesting vegetation.
After leaving Alert Bay we cruised southward and began the search for killer whales, which are often encountered in this area. We were not disappointed today. This is the area frequented by pods of the Northern Resident Community and we found the smallest of those pods -- W1 Pod -- which contains only three members, or a single matrilineal unit. We identified the matriarch, W3, and one of her sons, W2 (shown in the photograph). We surmised that the third member was the adult male we saw in the distance. It was a thrill to observe these animals in their natural environment unobtrusively, without disturbing them.
