Two heritage pieces stolen from cultural centre on Cormorant Island

Two pieces of Kakwaka’wakw’s cultural heritage have been stolen from the U’mista Centre on Cormorant Island, according to Alert Bay RCMP.

Mounties responded to a break and enter on Nov. 5 after reports of an unidentified suspect stealing from inside the centre a black and tan bowl and a mask. The U’mista Centre, which has been around since 1974, houses historical and contemporary artifacts, as well as ethnobiological exhibits.

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Police believe the suspect is in possession of the carved mask and may make an attempt to sell the item to a gallery or private collector. They also warn that because the items are stolen, anyone who takes possession of them will be committing a crime.

Currently, police have no suspect.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the whereabouts of the two stolen items is asked to contact the Alert Bay RCMP detachment.