A Tourist's Impression



Welcoming Native Dancers



Mother & Daughter Team



Prince Rupert is located on Kaien Island linked by a short bridge to the mainland with a population of approximately 12,800 people.  It was interesting to see how this small community transformed itself for the anticipated arrival of the Norwegian Star cruise ship that docked at 4pm.  The local craftsmen set up booths to sell their wares, musicians found a street corner to perform, and the local Native dance group appeared in costume and song to welcome visitors off the cruise ship.  After the Norwegian Star left at 10pm later that day, the locals packed up and went back to life as usual.  According to the townspeople, this is the last year that the cruise ship will be coming to Prince Rupert.  Cruise ships normally ask for a 10 percent share of sales from local shops for the season, it seems Prince Rupert shops were divided on the issue.  Prior to the cruise ship’s arrival, we visited the Museum of Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert, which houses early Native artifacts.  Viewing the exquisite artifacts and ceremonial headdresses of the past was an interesting contrast to the Native dance performance for the cruise ship.  We later learned that cruise ships virtually pay no U.S. taxes because they incorporate overseas and fly a foreign flag including Panama, Liberia, or Bermuda, where there is little oversight – quite a racket!



Drum - Painted Animal Hide (Museum piece)



Headdress (Museum piece)