A FATEFUL DAY AT NOOTKA
March 30, 1778
By
Pat Grantt

This poem is based on the true story of the first meeting between Nootkan Chief Maquinna and the British explorer James Cook.

Captain James Cook

Nootkan Chief Maquinna

When "Discovery" first was sighted making fast for Nootka Sound Maquinna met in council with his warriors clustered round. Scouts he sent to find that creature flying with white wings unfurled Told wondrous tales of godlike beings housed within a wooden world. "We believe that transformation of the salmon's what we've seen They're moving not as men intended, skimming water fast and keen." As the chief of all his people Maquinna needed proof In his wisdom he decided on a way to find the truth "Dress yourself in all your finery, don your masks denoting clan We will go and stage our rituals on the sea instead of land In the place of circling fires chanting greetings to drum beats We will paddle like we're dancing, singing songs of warlike feats We must chant them well and often so these beings understand We're a force with which to reckon, be they God or be they man." So Maquinna and his people lived a day like none before Changing history in the process opening up a well locked door. Through that night Cook's men and Nootkas serenaded to and fro Forming bonds with song and music, building trust that was to grow On the morrow Nootka people met to ponder what they heard "We've determined that they're human birthed from women as we were With the gifts they gave us freely they have shown their good intent Now we will return some measure of the friendship they have sent We will go and make fair trading in exchange for all our fur. Look you well for things of interest that we can in time procure." Thus the charting of new waters in those days well back in years Saw first meeting of two cultures pass a test with grace and cheer Many nations sent their captains to obtain what Cook had found Those who scoffed at Native customs met their death in Nootka Sound.

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