BC Ferries reveals names of new Island Class ships

BC Ferries revealed the names of its third and fourth Island Class ferries at a special naming ceremony.

Island Nagalis and Island K’ulut’a are the newest vessels to enter the fleet, allowing two-ship service to begin on the Campbell River – Quadra Island route in 2022.

The names were selected through a community engagement process, and celebrate the “important connection” to some of the coastal communities the ferries will serve.

In both Kwak̓wala and Lik̓wala, two of the Kwakwaka’wakw dialects, Nagalis means “dawn on the land” and K’ulut’a is the name for Porpoise.

The ceremony began with a few words from BC Ferries, representatives from We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum nations, and dignitaries, followed by the unveiling of the ships’ names and the christening of the hulls.

In keeping with maritime tradition, BC Ferries selected sponsors for each of the ships.

“Each sponsor bestows the ship with good luck and protection for all those who travel on them,” explained BC Ferries.

Each ship has a community sponsor and a sponsor from the BC Ferries family. In recognition of her achievement and service with BC Ferries, Fleet Strategic Planning Manager Joanne Doyle christened Island Nagalis along with Lorraine Henderson from Wei Wai Kum First Nation representing the community. June Johnson from We Wai Kai Nation joined BC Ferries’ Crewing Advisor Jennifer Thacker to christen Island K’ulut’a.

BC Ferries will also partner with the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC) once again to commission original artwork from Indigenous artists for the interior of the Island Class vessels.

FPCC will manage the open call to artists, and facilitate an equitable selection process.

Further details will be announced in the fall.