An artist selection process has been launched to choose an original First Nations design to adorn the Northern Sea Wolf ferry as it prepares for summer 2018 service between northern Vancouver Island and B.C.’s mid-coast.
B.C. Ferries is partnering with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to commission the design from an artist as well as an explanatory text from a writer from First Nations communities to be served by the 246-foot-long vessel.
“Showcasing the extraordinary First Nations talent from this area of the province is an important acknowledgment of a unique Indigenous perspective, which is informed by the land and waters,” said Tracey Herbert, Cultural Council chief executive officer.
Indigenous artists and writers from the Nuxalk Nation at Bella Coola, the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw Band and Kwakiutl First Nation at Port Hardy, and the Heiltsuk Nation are invited to respond to expressions of interest by Jan. 22. The chosen artist will receive $10,000 for the design and the writer will receive $2,500.
“Partnering with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and collaborating with First Nations is important to our culture at B.C. Ferries,” said Mark Collins, B.C. Ferries’ president and CEO.
“We are continuously learning about the rich First Nations culture of B.C. and this project teaches us even more.”
B.C. Ferries bought the 17-year-old vessel for $12.6 million. Esquimalt Drydock was awarded contracts worth $20 million to refit the ship, which will be able to carry at least 35 vehicles and 150 passengers and crew.
The vessel had been used as a ferry in Greece, under the name Aqua Spirit. It sailed here, arriving this month at Ogden Point.
It was renamed Northern Sea Wolf, inspired by First Nations legends that say the sea wolf is a manifestation of the orca, and that it symbolizes family, loyalty and protection of those travelling in its waters.
The ship will restore direct summer service between Port Hardy and Bella Coola and provide a weekly service between Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Shearwater and Ocean Falls. Tourism operators complained when it was announced in 2013 that the route would be cancelled, saying that it was vital for the sector.
