The orca, or killer whale, is a powerful totem for Natives of the Pacific Northwest. These whales can be found in all oceans of the world, but the resident communities of the waters around Vancouver Island are uniquely watchable. The tribes that have inhabited this coastline for centuries have developed a healthy respect for this top predator, and have incorporated its image into much of their art.
We spent our entire morning exploring the Kwakwaka'wakw village of Alert Bay, near the northern end of Vancouver Island. Our visit to the U'mista Cultural Center provided a stirring introduction to the stylized art of these people, as well as to their traditional potlatch ceremony. Afterwards, we headed up the hill to the newly reconstructed long house for a performance of potlatch dances by the young people of the community. As we left Alert Bay and motored eastward in Johnstone Strait, we encountered the 10 members of I31 Pod, traveling slowly in their resting formation.
