'Ya̱lis Kismis Festival

Each December in Alert Bay, something wonderful happens. It starts with a tree light-up but if you follow the music, you’ll find yourself in the heart of something deeper: the Kismis Festival in the Alert Bay town square.

Since 2019, Kismis has been Alert Bay’s own winter market. Both the name "Kismis" and the word "tumtum" come from Ch'nook —a trade language once spoken up and down the coast. It reminds us that our territory has always been a place of trade.

And trade is exactly what happens here. Families set up tables with handmade goods: woven cedar, beaded earrings, hand-carved ornaments, baked treats wrapped in foil and love.

The Kismis Festival isn’t just about Christmas or commerce. It’s about reclaiming community space and feeding the soul. Always, there is something beautiful made by someone you know—for sale at a table under a string of lights. Kismis is a living reminder that despite everything—colonial laws, economic challenges, ferry cancellations—we're still here. Still making.

tumtum products are available in Alert Bay at the U'mista and here at the tumtum website

Alert Bay Throw

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Handwoven 4-Coppers Throw

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