Critical Distance

CRITCAL DISTANCE | Under the Waves with the Southern Resident Killer Whales

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be under the waves with our endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW)?  We do and you can have an opportunity to step into the ocean with them during a series of open houses being held on Saturna, Pender and Mayne Islands.

The Southern Gulf Islands Whale Sighting Network (SGISWN), sponsored by Saturna Island Marine and Education Society (SIMRES), is piloting  CRITICAL DISTANCE throughout the islands using an immersive shared mixed reality (MR) experience  that brings audiences into the world of the SRKWs.

Seen through the eyes of Kiki, an eight-year-old orca who carries the future of her pod on her shoulders, participants experience how Kiki communicates with her family through echolocation, and together face the daily perils threatening her famous family, J Pod.

Please drop in the YH between 12-4pm. Suggested donation $10+

Please note there are age guidance restrictions, as MR is not recommended for those 10 years and under.

We would like to extend our thanks to Nature Canada, Vision3, University of Western Ontario and Oceans Network Canada for their support in making these events possible along with Pender Ocean Defenders, Mayne Island Conservancy and Galiano Conservancy.

This event is being held on the unceded, shared traditional territories of Penelakut, Lamalcha, Hwitslum and other Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, Coast Salish Peoples of Galiano, as well as the ceded territories of Tsawwassen First Nation, on what is now known as Galiano Island. We are grateful for the generosity of Canada Council; for the Arts, CRD Arts & Culture, the government of BC and BC Arts Council.