2012 Grizzly Bear Viewing Tours
Known as Gala to the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) First Nations People of Northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, this powerful creature of the Animal Kingdom has always held a high place in their legends and stories. For thousands of years, First Nations have shared their homeland with grizzly bears, and given them the respect they so deserve.
Even to this day, one can witness this animal come to life in great Potlatch ceremonies’ around a roaring fire in a traditional big-house (long-house). To be in this grand building, one feels as though they are in a spiritual world, for the support posts are huge cedar logs carved with eagles, Thunderbirds, and other creatures of the animal Kingdome. One shall see a costumed figure in grizzly hide with cedar carved mask, move as the animal does out in the wild, dancing in time to the beat of over twenty singers pounding on a huge hollow cedar log. A grand and thrilling site with the thundering drums, and firelight illumination!
Aboriginal Adventures Canada does have some tour products that do allow one to witness First Nations traditional dances, and or ceremonies'. If you a take one of the grizzly bear tours Tom commands, he shall ensure that these moments come to life for you through stream of consciousness narration.
Discovery Marine Safaris, with its’ comfortable fast boats commanded by knowledgeable captains, can take you deep into the Great Bear Rainforest to witness grizzly bears in their natural domain. If one wants to know the local First Nations (Indian) perspective to this amazing tenacious bruin of the lands, then the Aboriginal Grizzly Bear Adventure is the boat tour that you are surly going to want to be on board with.
Captain Tom Sewid of Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry will captivate you with his people’s legends about the giant of the local area, while sharing about the numerous times that he danced the grizzly bear at potlatch and other traditional ceremonies'. Not only is he a gifted legend speaker, he once was a trophy hunting guide, who specialized in taking people from around the world bear hunting. Many years back he was sickened by the slaughter of such a majestic animal, so he put his sights on educating and sharing the life of coastal grizzly bears with eco-tourists. Now you can be guided by one of the regions most experienced bear guides, to view these amazing creatures!
