The Meaning of "U'mista"

In earlier days, people were sometimes taken captive by raiding parties. When they returned to their homes, either through payment of ransom or by a raid, they were said to have u'mista. The return of our treasures from distant museums is a form of u'mista.

The potlatch was banned in Canada between 1885 and 1951. The masks and other regalia that you see here were all confiscated after an illegal potlatch in 1921. After the ban was lifted, the Kwakwaka'wakw people fought for decades for the return of their sacred regalia that had ended up in museum and private collections around the world. Most of the regalia has come home and it is shown here at the U'mista Cultural Centre and at the Nuyumbalees Museum. - Explore U'mista – take a virtual tour

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MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP HOURS Winter Hours Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Peak Season July 1st to Labour Day 7 days per week 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ADMISSIONS Adults…………………………………. $ 12.00 Seniors & Students.……………………$10.00 Youth (8-18)……………………………$5.00 Children under 8…................................$ Free Family (2 adults, 4 children under 18)…...$ 28.00 (GST not included) ADMISSION IS FREE TO ALL Kwakwa'kaʼwakw MEMBERS For general inquiries please call 1-250-974-5403 or email info@umista.ca

POTLATCH COLLECTION View our World Famous Potlatch Collection DONATE/VOLUNTEER The mandate of the U'mista Cultural Society is to ensure the survival of all aspects of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka'wakw. If you would like to help us by providing a donation or would like to volunteer. To Donate Giving online made easy and secure through Canada Helps become our fan on Facebook Can't read Kwak'wala on your computer? Download the font you need here www.firstvoices.com