We were free because the masks had been taken. It must have been as if the masks had paid for our way out of gaol. It was said that they would be returned that they wouldn't stay forever, so the old people were told when the masks went. What they did to us because if the potlatch was terrible. Now they are telling us to do it when was it the past they made us suffer so much, which is why we had forgotten our ways, because all of our tribes had been afraid. Now, they are all strongly urging us to show how things were done in early times they, the white people.

[Agnes Alfred at Alert Bay June 20, 1975]

MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP HOURS

Open Year round Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm

Extended Summer hours: May Day to end of September 30, 2009, open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm

Admissions
$8 Adults, $7 Seniors and Students, Children under 12yrs $1.
Group rates available for groups of 15 or more.
Guided tours available upon pre-booking, call 1-250-974-5403 or e-mail info@umista.ca