Ave Maria (I)

Tim Robison (British Columbia Nautical History Facebook Group 08/12/2018) states that "In 1950 this vessel was a supply boat for the Roman Catholic Mission School at Tofino BC Canada. This vessel was rebuilt sometime in the 1970s and then again, extensively in 1984 by Doug Johnston of Tofino BC Canada. This vessel left Canadian Registry around 2006." Ken Gibbs (Emal to John MacFarlane 02/12/2018) states that "this vessel was built on the beach in front of Hilmar T. Wingen's house, with the assistance of Barney Williams." The MMBC stated "NOOTKA of Lummi Island The former Ave Maria was built by the eye and hand of a First Nation Shipwright which makes her unique in the history of the Mission Boats. Built at Meares Island, Clayoquot Sound in 1957 by Barney Williams, a Shipwright, fisherman and Chief of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation with help from the “boys” of the residential school, “Ave Maria” served the Mission School for almost 30 years along the rough West Coast of Vancouver Island from Barkley Sound to the Brooks Peninsula, including Nootka Sound. Ave Maria became derelict when the Christie Indian Residential School finally closed in 1983. The boat was rescued during the early 1980’s in Tofino, transported overland to the Gulf Islands and resurrected by Doug Johnston. Doug rebuilt the hard working mission boat turning her into a unique Pacific Northwest cruiser. This included replacing her running gear. Her original bronze propeller shaft now graces the aft cabin as a compression post under the mizzen mast. Ave Maria remained in Canadian registry until 2006, Initially intending to keep the name “Ave Maria” I became more familiar with the fraught history of Residential Schools where attendance was compulsory and government mandated. The name NOOTKA reflects the history of the Pacific Northwest, and is the name explorers originally gave to the Nuu-chah-nulth and seeks to honor the heritage of the builder. The vessel has a unique and continuing connection with her builder Barney Williams. A photo shows Doug Johnston with Barney Williams of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation during her 1980’s rebuild with Ave Maria in the background. Another photo shows Barney Williams at the helm of Ave Maria in 2006. During the trip back to British Columbia to visit her builder the vessel was presented the yellow cedar Sea Otter plaque carved by Barney’s son which reflects the the families Clan – it is now mounted in NOOTKA’s pilothouse."