Regent's Seven Seas Mariner on June 5th will become the first cruise ship to stop at the Wei Wai Kum Cruise Ship Terminal, Canada's first aboriginal terminal located at Campbell River on the northeastern end of Vancouver Island.

For years, cruise ships have sailed slowly past the small city of Campbell River -- which calls itself the "Salmon Capital of the World" and is internationally famous for both its ocean and freshwater fishing -- on their way to and from Alaska.

For many in Campbell River, the passing cruise ships have long been viewed as a way to diversify the economy but the problem was lack of a suitable dock. With financing from the Canadian federal and provincial goverments, construction finally got underway.

The community was thus greatly disappointed last year when Celebrity Cruises scrapped plans for visits by the cruise ship Mercury because of concerns about strong currents around the dock.

"We did a lot of the modelling and simulation for the currents," said Jodee Dick, economic development officer for the Campbell River indian tribe. He said tests have now shown that currents pose no difficulties for a cruise ship while mooring or pulling away from the dock.

To celebrate the Seven Seas Mariner's inaugural call, the Wei Wai Kum indians will host a full day of festivities for guests, including a performance by traditional dancers.

The first sight visitors will have is a traditional Wei Wai Kum village, complete with totem poles and big house where customs will be located.

The Canadian government is now investing in the construction of the Campbell River Cruise Ship marketplace and staging area, which will provide retail space for aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs selling locally-made delicacies, arts and crafts.