Alert Bay, on the small, crescent-shaped Cormorant Island (45 minutes by ferry from Port McNeill via Sointula), is the site of one of the earliest Nimpkish Indian (Kwakiutl) coastal settlements. At the end of the 18th c. Indians were encouraged to move to the island to make up a workforce for salmon curing during the fishing season. This in turn
led to the establishment of a mission station (Church Mission). Today the inhabitants of the delightful little fishing village and the Nimpkish Indian Reserve total about 1100. Twelve elaborately carved totem poles adorn the Indian cemetery while in nearby Fir St. a small local museum has been set up. A short distance along is the Village Office (information). Sunday services at the charming Anglican church (on the waterfront; built in 1879) are in Kwakiutl.
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