Klahoose First Nation raised a welcome pole at the Whaletown ferry terminal on Cortes Island on June 26, as part of a traditional ceremony coinciding with the arrival of the Island Nagalis.
B.C. Ferries said the Island Nagalis vessel will now serve the Quadra Island–Cortes Island route and it adds 165 per cent more vehicle, passenger and crew capacity.
The ceremony also featured a cedar brushing, prayer and songs recognizing Klahoose Nation’s connection to the land and water that makes up Cortes Island.
“It’s nice to see reconciliation in action,” said Klahoose First Nation Chief Kevin Peacey. “This is a great step in the right direction.”
Island Nagalis is replacing the MV Tachek, a vessel that had served the Quadra-Cortes route for a decade.
Lindsay Matthews, vice president of public affairs and marketing for B.C. Ferries, said the welcome pole creates a lasting recognition of the connection Klahoose First Nation has with the region.
“We are grateful they’ve chosen the Whaletown terminal for its location,” said Matthews. “We also know that today’s arrival of Island Nagalis brings additional capacity to the route and is expected to support service for customers in the communities it now serves.”
