Pride Month at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery

July 25th 2025 - August 30th 2025

Join the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in highlighting the history of and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in industrial, skilled labour, and unionized trade work.

Event Description

Celebrate Pride at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery

In honour of Richmond Pride Week and Vancouver Pride 2025, join the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in highlighting the history of and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in industrial, skilled labour, and unionized trade work. From sharing the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in skilled labour workforces to highlighting the solidarity between the labour rights and queer liberation movements, 2025’s Pride events seek to remind us that 2SLGBTQIA+ people are, and have always been, present in these communities.

Schedule of Events

SAT July 26th

11:00am – 12:00pm Steveston Pride Walk

Join the Cannery at the annual Steveston Pride Walk as we show our pride, and learn more about the Cannery’s values when it comes to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and support!

6:00pm – 8:30pm Film Screening: Billy Elliot (2000) – Buy Tickets Online

How do skilled trades communities interact with queerness and non-gender conforming experiences? This dynamic and moving film tells the story of a working-class boy who dreams of being a ballerina, and the support he receives from the local community of coal miners. Covering themes of labour rights, community solidarity, and historical understandings of homosexuality, this film demonstrates the history of support between different communities.

FRI August 1st

Music at the Cannery: Shawnee Kish

We have a new performer for 2025’s Music at the Cannery! For the first time ever, welcome two-time JUNO nominee and Two-Spirit performer, Shawnee Kish! This Mohawk singer-songwriter combines her powerful alt-country vocals with vulnerable storytelling.

SUN August 3rd

Gulf of Georgia Cannery at the Vancouver Pride Parade

Join the Cannery at Vancouver Pride as we march with Parks Canada.

SAT August 9th

11:00am – 4:00pm X̱wi7x̱wa Library Outreach – 2SLGBTQIA+ History and Resources

UBC’s X̱wi7x̱wa Library will bring a variety of learning material to share for visitors of all ages on themes of pride, protest, and more!

2:00pm Keynote Speaker: Ivan Coyote – Buy Tickets Online

Canadian writer, storyteller, and performer Ivan Coyote is coming to the Cannery! Join Ivan for a special keynote sharing their experiences as a long-time worker in the skilled trades.

ALL August

What We Hold: Pride Month Pop-Up

Share your story! What We Hold will be hosting a pop-up installation for Pride Month. We are inviting 2SLGBTQIA+ audiences and community members to share the stories behind the objects that they hold dear. Have an touchstone object to share? We are taking submissions all month!