U'mista Summer Program August

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:

kimberly.willie@umista.ca

250-974-5403

Free with admission.

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

G̱ilakas'la

#CarvingWithWayneAlfred #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms #Kwakwa̱ka̱wakw #AlertBay

U'mista Summer Program August 25 - 28, 2026

Register now for Week 9 of U'mista's 2026 Summer Programming -- "Build-a-Kwakw-Bear with Tanis Dawson"!

Create a teddy bear that represents Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw culture and heritage.

* August 25 to 28, Tuesday to Friday *

10:00am to 3:00pm daily, with a lunch break at noon. Lunch is provided.

Bring your own teddy bear or doll to make regalia for, or choose one of ours! Supplies will be available including blanket and vest materials, buttons, sequins and beading materials, and cedar for headpieces.

**Registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants per day, and priority is given to Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw participants.

Contact Kimberly Willie to register:

kimberly.willie@umista.ca

250-974-5403

Free with admission.

*Please note, though we try our best, schedule may change at any time! Make sure to follow us on social for updates!

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

G̱ilakas'la

#BuildAKwakwBear #TanisDawson #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms #Kwakwa̱ka̱wakw #AlertBay

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U'mista Summer Program August 18 to 21, 2026

Join us for Week 8 of Summer Programs starting Tues Aug 18 with “Cedar Weaving with Donna Cranmer”.

Learn Traditional Cedar Weaving with Master Weaver Donna Cranmer.

* August 18 – 21 *
Tuesday - Friday
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm

Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.

*Subject to change.

U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#CedarWeavingWithDonna #DonnaCranmer #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms

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U'mista Summer Program August 4 to 7, 2026

U'mista Cultural Society

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1482356257253241&set=a.552838546871688

Week 6 of Summer Programs, this week is “Traditional Medicines with Eva Dick”.

Eva will be at U'mista sharing teachings of traditional medicines. Everyone is welcome!

* August 4 – 7 *

Programs run Tuesdays - Fridays from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm.

Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.

*Subject to change.

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

#TraditionalMedicinewithEva #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms

BC Hydro Planned Outage

We're performing work on our system in your area that requires us to temporarily turn off your electricity service.

Planned power outage details (WO TY2051 0240)

Location: ALERT BAY

From: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 01:00 AM (estimated)
To: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 05:00 AM (estimated)

Reason: Equipment Maintenance

Customers will experience a final outage on Sunday September 20, 2026 | Landlords, please notify your tenants accordingly

Prepare for the outage

Before the outage begins, turn off electric heaters, major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from damage. If you rely on electric medical equipment or access doors, have a plan to maintain use.

U'mista Summer Program week 5

Week 5 of Summer Programs, this week is “Beading with Jo-Ann Rufus”.

Come on down and learn how to make copper earrings with wire from self-taught beader, Jo-Ann.

* July 28 – 31 *

Programs run Tuesdays - Fridays from 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm.

Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.

*Subject to change.

U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#BeadingWithJoAnn #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms

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U'mista Summer Program week 3

Join us Tues to Fri this week July 14-18, 2026 for Week 3 of U’mista’s 2026 Summer Programming with: “Learning & Design with Trevor Isaac”

Learn new skills of traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw design.

*Tue July 14 – Fri Jul 17*
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm

Everyone is welcome and all summer programs are free with admission.

Full schedule coming soon!

U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, BC
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#LearningandDesignwithTrevorIsaac #Umista #SummerPrograms #UmistaSummerPrograms

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U'mista Summer Program starts TODAY

U’mista Summer Program starts TODAY for more information please contact them directly:

  U’mista Summer Programming begins this week with: “Traditional Medicines with Eva Dick”.

Eva will be at U'mista sharing teachings of traditional medicines. Everyone is welcome!

* June 29 – July 2, 2026
Monday – Thursday
10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm

Full schedule coming soon!

Summer programs are free with admission.

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

https://www.facebook.com/Umista.Cultural.Society

John Rowell

ALERT BAY ''BULLETIN - BOARD''

Jen Rowell 

It is with profound sadness that the Rowell family announces the passing of John Malcolm Rowell on May 7, 2026 at the age of 88.

Coming just four months after losing the love of his life, Barbara, it is clear that John died of a broken and lonely heart.

John lived a quiet but adventurous life, travelling the world many times over with Barb by his side. He was a devoted Legion member, a master bridge player, and while he kept many of his British traditions, he truly loved and made the community of Alert Bay his home, reflected in his many years of service as a schoolteacher, Town Clerk-Treasurer, and later Mayor of his beloved island village.

We extend an invitation to all who knew and loved John to join us at the Alert Bay Legion on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for a Celebration of his Life. Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alert Bay Legion in John’s name.

Thank you all for your outreach, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Rowell family

Planned Power Outage March 19, 2026

Outage notification

We're performing work on our system in your area that requires us to temporarily turn off your electricity service.

Planned power outage details (WO W02565015-01)

Location: ALERT BAY

From: Thursday, March 19, 2026 09:30 AM (estimated)

To: Thursday, March 19, 2026 02:30 PM (estimated)

Reason: Pole Replacement

Landlords, please advise your tenants accordingly.

Prepare for the outage

Before the outage begins, turn off electric heaters, major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from damage. If you rely on electric medical equipment or access doors, have a plan to maintain use.

Streets effected by power outage:
81 - 164 Alder Rd
3 - 81 Alder St
61 Arbutus St
61 - 185 Cedar St
20 - 28 Gatu Rd
22 - 26 Gatu St
59 - 99 Hemlock St
24 Juniper St
79 Larch St
8 - 44 Mamakwa Rd
39 Nimpkish Rd
5 Nimpkish Heights
60 - 93 Orca WAY
13 Po'yi St
102 - 121 Skana Pl
60 Spruce St
35 Sycamore Rd
60 - 70 Sycamore St

Our Very Own Janice Taylor Ellis

Our very own: Janice Taylor Ellis:

Sandbox Society

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Community Spotlight: Janice Ellis

Many of you will know today’s spotlight, Janice Ellis. Janice is a long-time Port McNeill community member who raised her children here and is now proud to have her grandchildren growing up in our town too. She is deeply involved in our community, volunteering with the Lions Club and the Victor Secret Committee, and always showing up where support is needed.

Janice is also a well-known and much-loved staff member at Sunset Elementary School. Many of our local kids, and staff alike, are especially fond of her. She has a natural way of creating spaces where children feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. Always greeted with a smile , Janice meets everyone with warmth and kindness.

Janice does so much to support our local youth and our community as a whole, and today we celebrate her and all that she brings to Port McNeill

Please leave Janice some kindness and share why you celebrate her below

Want to nominate someone for a Community Spotlight?

Email us at sandboxsocietypm@gmail.com

Spotlights are posted every Monday and Friday

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EyC5KSLR1/

Alert Bay Visitor Centre Closed

Alert Bay Visitor Centre will be Closed Tuesday, February 10, 2026 on this day only for immediate assistance please contact the Village of Alert Bay between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Phone: 250 974 5213. Alert Bay brochures available in hallway of Post Office/Village Office Building (less then city block away) 15 Maple Road doors unlocked 8 am to 6 pm.