Halifax Labour Day Parade, 1949

Happy Labour Day!

Labour Day is a holiday with strong cross-border connections. The Toronto Trades Assembly, perhaps the original central labour body in Canada, organized the first North American 'workingman's demonstration' of any significance in 1872. The beribboned parade marched to martial music provided by four bands. More parades were organized during that decade, and in the 1880's the idea spread to the United States, inspired by the beginnings made in Canada.

Samuel Gompers, founder of the American Federation of  Labour, said of Labour Day: "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Most Canadians now celebrate Labour Day as a family-oriented holiday to mark the end of summer. However, union and labour connections are still maintained in several communities. In Northern Vancouver Island, Port Alice has a celebration and picnic at Lions Park (along the waterfront), noon to 5 pm on Monday, September 4.

Fishing News

Fly Fisher at Cluxewe

You can still participate in our renowned beach salmon fishery. The pink salmon run has been slow this year but appears to be strengthening as we head into September. Pinks were reported reported jumping en masse along the west shore of the Cluxewe estuary on September 1-2. The arrival of coho salmon along the beach has also been reported in early September.

Fishing for salmon from boats (springs, pinks, and some coho) continues to be good in the vicinity of Cluxewe, too.

Also, remember that there are countless lakes, rivers, and streams in Northern Vancouver Island, and centrally-located Cluxewe Resort can easily be your base of operations to explore them.

Guided fly fishing is a great way to learn where and how to fish in both fresh and salt water. We recommend a local outfit, Northland Fly Specialty, which also sells tackle and offers fly fishing lessons in both fresh and salt water.

Last of all, we want to remind our fishing guests that we do not sell fishing licenses at the Cluxewe office; they should be purchased before arriving at the Resort. You can find out more about licenses and regulations at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.

Whale Watching News

Cluxewe Resort is located near a number of whale-and-marine wildlife viewing "hotspots." Resident killer whales (orcas) typically return to our waters in late June to mid-July, and sightings typically continue into October.

In addition, whale watching vessels have reported many sightings of humpback whales (often breeching), minke whales, and transient orcas, along with other marine mammals, birds, and black bears along our island coastlines.

These trips are a wonderful way to view wildlife and experience the beauty of our coastline. Check the daily sighting reports from Mackays Whale Watching (close to Cluxewe Resort in Port McNeill) and Stubbs Island Whale Watching (Telegraph Cove).

Speaking of Bears ...

This is a very active time for bears as they begin to fish the salmon runs and fatten up for their winter sleep. We appreciate all the cooperation shown by our guests in keeping their food locked up and scraps properly disposed of.

There has not been a serious bear attack recorded in Northern Vancouver Island, which has one of the most concentrated black bear populations in North America - and we want to keep it that way! You will often find black bears feeding along the roadsides and, if you are hiking, fishing, or doing any outside activity in our region, you may see a bear. Be prepared, and read these black bear "do's and don'ts" (also available in our office).

We share this wonderful area with these amazing animals, so we always caution our guests, DO NOT FEED THE BEARS, either knowingly or accidentally. A fed bear becomes a dead bear!

Coming Events in Northern Vancouver Island

Many traditional community events - hallmarks of small town living - stand out this month in the region.

Monday, September 4, 2006

Port Alice, BC: Labour Day Picnic. At Lions Park along the waterfront (near the marina). Organized by the District Labour Council and the Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union. Come and enjoy a traditional Labour Day event!

Saturday-Sunday, September 9 and 10, 2006

Mount Waddington Regional Fall Fair. Port Hardy Community Centre & Arena. Includes Chili Cook Off, Kids Arts & Crafts, Pie Judging, Coffee House (Saturday evening), and regular exhibits of crafts, cooking & baking, flowers, and produce.

Saturday, September 9 and Saturday, September 23

Port McNeill: Seaside Market. Fish, garden produce, flowers, crafts, displays, music. Located at the harbour by the Western Forest Products office (lovely Japanese-style building) near the marina.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Hyde Creek Daze. Hyde Creek Fire and Community Hall (Hyde Creek is a small community, just SE of Port McNeill). Parade starts at 11 am, followed by displays, activities, kids games, equestrian events, and concessions.

Friday-Sunday, September 15-17, 2006

Port Hardy: 101 Squadron, 2nd Annual Celebration of Flight. Friday social gathering. Displays at the Thunderbird Mall on Saturday, followed by a formal dinner and party. Pancake breakfast and fly-past salute close the event on Sunday morning.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Holberg to Port Hardy: Coast to Coast Annual Foot Roast. Organized by the North Island Kinsman Club, the purpose of this 50 km walk is to "have fun, keep physically active, and promote Northern Vancouver Island. It provides people of all ages and physical abilities an opportunity to participate in a fun event, but one that will challenge [their] endurance." A registration form is available at the Foot Roast website.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Port McNeill Reunion. Community Hall. Starts at 10:30 am and includes luncheon. By donation only. Former residents of Port McNeill are encouraged to bring photos, songs, and stories to share. A special community church service will follow at St. John Gualbert Anglican Church on Sunday, Oct. 1. For more information, contact Louise Smith (nee Betts).

Come and Visit!

We at Cluxewe Resort welcome you. Come camping or stay in one of our beautiful, fully-equipped cottages. Explore the natural wonders of Broughton Strait, the Cluxewe River estuary, and Northern Vancouver Island. Gila Kas'la!

PS - Don't forget to visit the rest of our website including our slide shows and day trips sections.

Questions, suggestions, or comments about Cluxewe Caller? E-mail us.