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On this trip you will visit Gwaii Haanas, home of the Haida people, who have inhabited this remote archipelago since Raven brought them to life here during myth times. The Haida are masters of the splendid and elegant formline art style that has excited anthropologists, art collectors, and art historians around the world.

Tour highlights include visits to a number of ancient villages, including a visit to the UN World Heritage site Sgaang Gwaii (or Ninstints). The Island Roamer crew will share their extensive knowledge of the natural history of Gwaii Haanas, and Dr. Wright will guide you through the villages of monumental art with the Haida Gwaii Watchmen, the caretakers at each village site. This trip will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the Queen Charlotte Islands in a unique way and allows access to an array of fascinating wildlife. Along the way you will see various species of whale, sea lions, seals, eagles, and hopefully puffins. Traveling with Dr. Wright, you will learn about Haida culture, history, and art.

Highlights (subject to change)
Robin Wright will meet you at the Sandspit Airport on the afternoon of Aug. 9, 2008, followed by a night over at the Sandspit Inn. The next morning you will be taken to the Haida Gwaii Museum at Kaay'llnagaay for an introductory tour of the art and culture of the Haida followed by a traditional Haida feast before you board the Island Roamer.

On the evening of Aug. 10th your sailing tour aboard the Island Roamer to the remote sites on Gwaii Haanas begins. Winter rains and summer mists bathe the forest in moisture; the brilliant greens of life await you. Your voyage will stop at the sites of Tanu, Skedans, and possibly Cumshewa, with time to relax at Hotsprings Island and to explore Burnaby Narrows, Rose Harbour, and Windy Bay. A visit to the village Sgaang Gwaii (or Ninstints, a UN World Heritage Site) will show you the largest collection of standing poles—some two dozen weathered tributes to the artists of the 19th century.

Birds, and other terrestrial wildlife have been protected by the Haida Nation and the Canadian government with the creation of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. This preserves the fragile ecology of one of the most wondrous spots in the world. This sailing voyage will work within Park regulations and codes of conduct, while providing you with unequalled access to the natural wonders of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

ABOUT THE ISLAND ROAMER
This 68-foot ketch was launched in 1983. The boat's design, safety, and comfort make her particularly well suited for these trips. She sleeps 16 passengers in 8 private cabins, with 3 heads with hot showers. There is also a spacious, airy lounge, natural history library, and galley. A covered seating area on deck provides great viewing opportunities as well.

The Island Roamer affords easy access for people of any age and most physical capabilities. She is a Canadian Coast Guard certified passenger vessel and has all the safety and navigation equipment you would expect for a vessel of her standard. There are two large inflatables for shore excursions and both double and single kayaks for quietly exploring islands and shorelines.

The crew of the Island Roamer consists of a Coast Guard licensed captain, professional cook, and expert naturalist. They all bring knowledge gained from years exploring the islands, and training in marine biology, education, ornithology, or anthropology.

ABOUT ROBIN K. WRIGHT
Robin K. Wright (Ph.D., Art History) is Curator of Native American Art at the Burke Museum, Director of the Bill Holm Center for the Study of Northwest Coast Art, and Professor of Art History at the University of Washington. She has published extensively on Haida art, including her most recent book: Northern Haida Master Carvers, (University of Washington Press, 2001). She has been leading tours to Haida Gwaii since 1986, first with Society Expeditions, and then with UBC Continuing Studies. We are pleased that this year will mark her 11th trip since 1999 in a series of Northwest Coast tours sponsored by the Burke Museum.

Fees
The trip cost is $3,950 per person. This includes your first night and breakfast at the Sandspit Inn, your visit to the Haida Gwaii Museum, and your welcoming Haida feast. It also includes nine days of travel and all on-board meals. Each person will be sharing a cabin on the ship. If you do not have a traveling companion, Bluewater Adventures will endeavor to match you with another participant. A deposit of $500 per person is required to reserve a spot. The balance of $3,450 per person is due May 26, 2008. As trips fill up quickly, please register early to avoid disappointment. Registration information is on the back of the brochure. The Burke Museum reserves the right to cancel this program prior to departure, upon the refund of all payments received.

Not included in trip fee: Transportation to and from Sandspit, BC, accommodations or meals after leaving the Island Roamer, fishing licenses, travel or cancellation insurance, optional purchases, and gratuities for the crew.

Registration Information
Reservations may be made by contacting Bluewater Adventures directly and making a deposit of $500 per person. Be sure to indicate: 1) The Burke Museum trip and 2) the names and addresses of those traveling.

Bluewater Adventures, Ltd.
#3-252 East First Street
North Vancouver, BC V7L 1B3 CANADA
Phone: Toll Free 1-888-877-1770
Email: explore@bluewateradventures.ca
Web: www.bluewateradventures.ca