U'mista Cultural Society

U'mista Cultural Society U'mista Cultural Centre has showcased intricate masks from the Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw Potlatch Ceremony, and other traditional and contemporary artifacts since 1980.

Visit our gift shop for high-quality items by local artists. Open year-round, contact for tours. The U'mista Cultural Society was incorporated under the British Columbia Societies Act on March 22, 1974. Since that time, it has worked towards fulfilling the mandate to ensure the survival of all aspects of cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. To facilitate the accomplishment of this mandate, th

e Board of Directors, composed of any person who is an individual, family of honorary member and can trace ancestry to a member of any tribe of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring all policy. The Executive Director, hired by the Board of Directors, is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that achieve the ends and aims that the Board has identified. This comprises day to day operations, management of the Centre, and yearly budget development. The staff of the society consists of one full time and three part time positions, including the Executive Director, with contract staff being hired for specific tasks. The full time staff ensures that all programming is achieved and the facility is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (please contact us for extended summer hours; Victoria Day to Labour Day). One of the objectives of the Society was the development of a facility to carry out the aims of the society. The present facility was opened in November of 1980. The focus of the permanent collection is the "Potlatch Collection". The other permanent exhibits on display include description of the traditional ethnobiology of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw and origin stories of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw villages, as well as, historical and contemporary Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw objects. Traveling exhibits of significance to the community are also displayed. The Meaning of U'mista:
In earlier days, people were sometimes taken captive by raiding parties. When they returned to their homes, either through payment of ransom or by a raid, they were said to have u'mista. The return of our treasures from distant museums is a form of u'mista.

Ready for wherever the day takes you. 🌿🐦This Hummingbirds Packable Tote by Coast Salish artist Nicole La Rock is both pr...
08/23/2026

Ready for wherever the day takes you. 🌿🐦

This Hummingbirds Packable Tote by Coast Salish artist Nicole La Rock is both practical and fun. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the water-repellent and tear-resistant fabric holds up to 15 kg (20L) and unfolds to a generous 19"L x 5"W x 15"H -- perfect for beach days, summer markets, errands, or any adventure in between.

Nicole La Rock is a Coast Salish artist whose work she describes as guided by energy and flow -- "that's how the colours are chosen, that's how the design comes along." Her hummingbird design brings that same spirit of joy and intention to everything it touches.

When you are done, it folds back into a compact 8.75" x 5.5" pouch -- easy to tuck into a bag and always ready when you need it. Features a front pocket, inner zippered pocket, trolley sleeve, and both handle and shoulder straps.

📍 Find it online here: www.umista.ca/products/packable-tote-hummingbirds-by-nicole-la-rock

or in-store at:
#1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
Daily 9-5

G̱ilakas’la 👐
̱ka̱wakw

🎶 Celebrate Wild Salmon through music, community, and action.U'mista is pleased to support 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀, an evening...
08/22/2026

🎶 Celebrate Wild Salmon through music, community, and action.

U'mista is pleased to support 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀, an evening to protect wild Pacific salmon.

Enjoy an incredible lineup featuring acclaimed ʼNa̱mg̱is/Dzawada'enux̱w musician 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗧. 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲, opening act 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱, inspiring speakers, and a silent auction filled with Indigenous artwork, cultural treasures, and unique experiences.

Event highlights include:
🎤 Live music
🗣 Guest speakers
🎁 Silent auction
🐟 Supporting the protection of wild Pacific salmon

📅 Saturday, August 29
🕡 6:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
📍 Qualicum Beach Civic Centre

🔗Tickets available through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.ca/e/wild-salmon-blues-headlined-by-garret-t-willie-tickets-1987461577078

G̱ilakas'la

'Namgis First Nation Garrett Willie Watershed Watch Salmon Society Nanaimo Art Gallery Vancouver Island Whale Watch French Creek Seafood Ltd. Aunty Collective

☀️ Discover the magic of making photographs without a camera!Join us on Monday, August 24 for Plant-Based Sun Prints wit...
08/22/2026

☀️ Discover the magic of making photographs without a camera!

Join us on Monday, August 24 for Plant-Based Sun Prints with media artist Freya Hattenberger.

Using plants, sunlight, and a historic photographic process, you'll create beautiful botanical prints while exploring the connection between art and nature. No experience is needed, and everyone is welcome.

🗓 Monday, August 24
🕙 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
🕐 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

📍 U'mista Cultural Centre
#1 Front Street, Alert Bay

Freya Hattenberger is a media artist from Cologne, Germany. During her residency in the unceded territories of the 'Na̱mg̱is, Mamalilikala, and Kwaguʼł Nations, she has been researching historic photographic collections while connecting with community through art.

No registration is required. We hope you'll join us!

G̱ilakas'la 👐

Freya's residency is supported by:
nrw (Instagram)
medienwerk.nrw

Current Exhibit: While visiting 'Ya̱lis (Alert Bay) this summer, be sure to visit U’mista Cultural Centre to appreciate ...
08/22/2026

Current Exhibit: While visiting 'Ya̱lis (Alert Bay) this summer, be sure to visit U’mista Cultural Centre to appreciate Wałda̱mesa Si'sa̱mkinux̱w - Stories from the Grease Makers.

The exhibit explores the rich history and living traditions of eulachon grease making among the Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw people -- a practice deeply woven into culture, ceremony, trade, and community life across generations.

📍 U'mista Cultural Centre
#1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
Open daily, 9-5

On view through spring 2028.

G̱ilakas'la 👐

̱ka̱wakw

YA̱X̱WIWE’BEAVER HEADDRESS𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘛 𝘖𝘍 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘜’𝘔𝘐𝘚𝘛𝘈 𝘗𝘖𝘛𝘓𝘈𝘛𝘊𝘏 𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘓𝘌𝘊𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕Frontlets worn in Tła̱’sala or Peace Dances are often c...
08/22/2026

YA̱X̱WIWE’
BEAVER HEADDRESS

𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘛 𝘖𝘍 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘜’𝘔𝘐𝘚𝘛𝘈 𝘗𝘖𝘛𝘓𝘈𝘛𝘊𝘏 𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘓𝘌𝘊𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕

Frontlets worn in Tła̱’sala or Peace Dances are often called Chiefs’ headdresses because only the highest-ranking people would wear these special and elaborate carvings. There are many frontlets in the Potlatch Collection, and this one was carved by celebrated artist Mungo Martin. The crown is made from whale baleen. When this frontlet is worn for dancing, the crown holds eagle down, which floats to the Big House floor to symbolize peace.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Five-sided beaver frontlet carved from red cedar. The beaver is carved to project out and it is holding a stick in its teeth. It is attached to a cedar bark headband covered with wool. Attached to the wool are orange, purple and yellow feathers. Whale baleen is sewn to the cedar bark headband. There is also a cotton train. Attached to the cotton are ermine pelts with red ribbons tied to their feet. The back of the train also features three pieces of red fabric displaying different patterns: strips at the top, a clover pattern and egg shape at the bottom. There is also a sea lion whisker crown. White, red, green, black, orange, purple, yellow.

MATERIALS
Fabric, Ermine Hide, Wood, Paint, Feathers, Cedar Bark, Whale Baleen

DIMENSIONS
127.0 cm x 37.5 cm x 37.5 cm

► Visit this piece (in 3D!) online here:
https://umistapotlatch.ca/visite_virtuelle-virtual_tour-eng.php #3/0/02.05.002

► Potlatch Gallery 360º Interactive Tour: https://umistapotlatch.ca/visite_virtuelle-virtual_tour-eng.php #1

► Plan a visit to the Potlatch Gallery:
U’mista Cultural Centre
#1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
Check website for hours.
www.umista.ca
̱X̱WIWE’ ̱ka̱wakw

Living Tradition, The Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw Potlatch on the Northwest Coast

Join our U'mista Cultural Centre Drop-in Tour this week with Brennan! 📅 Saturday August 22*⏰ 10:00 - 11:00am💰 $20 per pe...
08/21/2026

Join our U'mista Cultural Centre Drop-in Tour this week with Brennan!

📅 Saturday August 22*
⏰ 10:00 - 11:00am
💰 $20 per person, plus admission
📍 U'mista Cultural Centre, Alert Bay
*Dates subject to change.

Drop-in tours run on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend arriving early to secure your spot. Private tours are also available if you would like to book ahead.

With questions or to inquire about private tours, contact our Tourism Coordinator Brooke:
📞 250-974-5403
📧 [email protected]

Follow us at .Cultural.Society on Facebook and on Instagram at for updates on tours and upcoming events!

G̱ilakas'la 👐

📸 Photo of Brennan by Jeff Litton

̱wakw

TODAY, Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:59pm, is the Application deadline for the one year Collections and Education Assist...
08/21/2026

TODAY, Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:59pm, is the Application deadline for the one year Collections and Education Assistant role at U'mista Cultural Centre. Please share. G̱ilakas'la 👐

Nothing beats a day at the beach! Let's learn some Kwak̓wala words for things you might see by the water. 🌊⋘══════⋙═════...
08/20/2026

Nothing beats a day at the beach! Let's learn some Kwak̓wala words for things you might see by the water. 🌊

⋘══════⋙══════⋙

Let’s learn Kwak̓wala! 🗣

➡ t̓ła̱ma'is – beach
➡ da̱msxi – salt water, ocean
➡ ‘ma̱kola – island
➡ migwat – seal
➡ ma̱si’ḵw – big sea urchins
➡ ta̱ḵ̓wa – octopus
➡ 'mis’ma̱t’sa – sea anemones
➡ x̱ala̱'is – shell
➡ ma̱t̓ani – horse clam
➡ a’las – sea cucumber
➡ gawiḵ̓ana̱m – clams
➡ ḵ̓u’mis – crab
➡ k̓wit̓a̱’a – barnacles
➡ g̱a̱’adza̱ḵ – starfish

⋘══════⋙══════⋙

Excerpt from:
Learning Kwak̓wala Series
Book 1 – My Village, My House – Page 16 & 17
Book 4 – Dogs Cats and Crows - Page 20
Illustrator: Nola Johnston

Entire set available at: https://www.umista.ca/products/set-language-learning-kwakwala-books-12

📱 Follow .ca on Instagram for more Kwak̓wala!

̓wala ̓wala ̱ka̱wakw ̓wala

Hobby Night tonight at U'mista! 🧵🪡Bring whatever you are working on and come create with us – regalia, blankets, beading...
08/20/2026

Hobby Night tonight at U'mista! 🧵🪡

Bring whatever you are working on and come create with us – regalia, blankets, beading, weaving, or any project you have on the go. We will also have some beading and blanket making supplies available for starting a new project too!

📍 U'mista Cultural Centre
⏰ Thursday August 20, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Everyone welcome, no registration needed. See you tonight!

G̱ilakas'la 👐

̱wakw

Carving with Wayne Alfred is coming to U'mista for Weeks 10 and 11 of our 2026 Summer Programming! 🪵🪶Join Master Carver ...
08/19/2026

Carving with Wayne Alfred is coming to U'mista for Weeks 10 and 11 of our 2026 Summer Programming! 🪵🪶

Join Master Carver and Knowledge Keeper Wayne Alfred for two weeks of hands-on carving rooted in Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw tradition. Each week focuses on a different project -- and participants are welcome to register for one week or both!

* Week 10 - Spoons *
August 31 to September 4, Monday to Friday

* Week 11 - A̱wayu (Skimmers) *
September 7 to 11, Monday to Friday

10:00am to 4:00pm daily, with a lunch break at noon. Lunch is provided.

All supplies will be provided, including a set of knives to borrow for the workshop. Participants are also welcome to bring their own tools.

**Registration is required. Space is limited to 5 participants per week, and priority is given to Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw participants. Participants must attend all 5 days of their chosen week.

To register for one or both weeks, contact Kimberly Willie:
📧 [email protected]
📞 250-974-5403

Free with admission.

📍 U'mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC

G̱ilakas'la 👐

̱ka̱wakw

Address

#1 Front Street. PO Box 253
Alert Bay, BC
V0N1A0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12509745403

Website

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