The Next Generation



Kitkatla Dock



Fishing Skiffs - Kitkatla



We cleared customs in Prince Rupert and left the next day heading southwest through Ogden Channel and anchored for the night at a lovely spot called Captain Cove on the northwest end of Pitt Island.  In the morning we saw a black bear along the shore before departing for the Native village of Kitkatla, located across Ogden Channel on Dolphin Island.  Kitkatla is home to the Gitxaala Nation and site of a missionary church built by locals in the 1930’s.  We visited the church and walked through the village consisting of graveled streets and look-alike homes, perhaps a government housing project.  As we walked through the community, a Native official stopped to visit with us and told us a story about his grandfather.  His grandfather was seen by some young boys crying at the burial grounds.  The boys later asked him why he was crying.  The grandfather said, “I am not crying for those who have died, they are already gone; I am not crying for myself, I will soon pass away; I am crying for the young people who will no longer be able to fish freely.”  It is thought that grandfather foresaw the coming of fishing restrictions and regulations.  It seems to have come true; as non-residents of Canada it cost us $250 per person for the base fishing license and salmon tag.  The price for a fishing license is dependent on several factors:  fishing location, type of species, and number of days requested – a complex system for a modern world.  We departed Kitkatla and rounded McCauley Island where we saw several whales then continued south down Principe Channel for anchorage in Colby Bay on the east side of Banks Island.



Missionary Church



Visit with Native Official



The Next Generation



Housing - Kitkatla