Along the British Columbia’s West Coast and across the country, Indigenous communities, Nations, and organizations continue the traditional work of stewarding and protecting our local waterways and marine ecosystems. This June, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is honoured to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a focus on these inspiring, Indigenous-led efforts. In conversation with Orca Action Month, the Cannery is proud to feature the work of Algonquin researcher and artist Stephany Clouatre-Groleau throughout the month of June, alongside a special celebration day featuring a wide range of local organizers, stewards, dancers, vendors, and more!
About the Event
National Indigenous History x Orca Action Month installation – month of June
- Included with regular admission
- Dates: June 2026 (exact dates TBD)
- Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Throughout the month of June, experience Stephany Clouatre-Groleau’s contribution to the Orca Behaviour Institute’s “20 Years in Danger” community art project. The Cannery will host one of 75 community art installations being displayed throughout the Salish Sea region and beyond. Experience Stephany’s representation of Kelp, a member of BC’s own K Pod Southern Resident Killer Whales, and spark conversation on orca conservation, the connection to the salmon, and ongoing protection initiatives.
Keystone Culture: A National Indigenous Peoples x Orca Action Month Celebration
Dates: June 13th, 2026
Times: 11:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Admission to the museum and event is FREE for all ages.
Join us to celebrate the incredible Indigenous-led marine stewardship and protection initiatives taking place across British Columbia and beyond! Celebrate Indigenous culture, tradition, and community with special programming including dancing, drumming, and music. Support local artists and craftspeople at our one-day-only Indigenous vendors market, and learn about the projects, organizations, and communities that are dedicated to stewarding the waterways and marine life around us. Interested in learning how local organizations are supporting Indigenous communities? Check out our community outreach booths for resources and information on Indigenous-focused partnerships and initiatives.
What to expect:
- Special presentation from Stephany Clouatre Groleau on her art installation
- Indigenous vendors market
- Cultural performances, including jingle and fancy dancing from local artists
- Community outreach expo highlighting Indigenous-led marine protection initiatives and organizations, and more!
National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21st, 2026
National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) takes place annually on June 21st, 2026. The Cannery holds our celebration the week before this date in respect of personal gatherings and Indigenous community celebrations that may take place throughout the week of June 21st.
The Cannery is open on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Join us to learn about Indigenous fishing history and expertise and celebrate the first peoples to fish the Fraser River. Continue to celebrate the Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives of today with special screenings highlighting the work of the Indigenous Guardians programs in partnership with Parks Canada, screening in the Boiler House Theatre for one day only!
- Donations to the Cannery go to Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/
Key Message (what is the key purpose of the initiative/event itself/why are we doing this?):
The goal of this event is to provide space and resources for Indigenous partners to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Reconciliation is an ongoing conversation and by collaborating with Indigenous partners, we invite crucial conversations about the history of nations living and working in the West Coast fishing industry. We intend to highlight the collective impact of both Indigenous and ally communities championing environmental sustainability. Together, we take action to protect the land, water, and all who live here.
Event Goals:
- Strengthen our relationship with Indigenous partners and communities
- Promote Indigenous and environmental organisations
- Match visitor count in comparison to last year’s NIPD event, the Water We Call Home Anniversary Celebration
Event Details
- National Indigenous History x Orca Action Month installation – month of June
- Included with regular admission
- Dates: June 2026 (exact dates TBD)
- Time: 10 am – 5 pm
- Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery.Learn more about the “20 Years in Danger” initiative: https://www.orcabehaviorinstitute.org/obi-art-for-orcas
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- Keystone Culture: A National Indigenous Peoples x Orca Action Month Celebration
- Date: June 13th, 2026
- Times: 11 am – 4pm
- Cost: Admission to the museum and event is FREE for all ages.
- Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
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- National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Date: June 21st, 2026
- Donations to the Cannery will go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/
- Location: Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond, BC, V7E 3J1
