It will be an Earth Day event unlike any other in Vancouver’s history. On April 20, the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will jointly present a celebration of the land, sea, and sky in Vanier Park. The family-friendly activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
One of the institutions, the Museum of Vancouver, will offer eco-poetry readings by Vancouver Poet Laureate Fiona Tinwei Lam. In addition, it will present live storytelling from Chief Ian Campbell, entitled Temixw: Stories from the Land.
Campbell, who’s of Squamish and Musqueam ancestry, has a history with the Museum of Vancouver. As an artist-in-resident, he painted the vibrant triptych Temixw, which translates to “land, earth, dirt”. It was unveiled in 2019. In 2020, Campbell selected several stories that are shared with museum visitors online.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to our first Earth Day celebration with our neighbours,” Alyssa Sy de Jesus, program manager at the MOV, said in a news release. “And we’re so pleased to be able to include Musqueam and Squamish stories as part of this by hosting Chief Ian Campbell.”
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Maritime Museum will host storytime readings of The Mess That We Made. Author Michelle Lord and illustrator Julia Blattman’s book inspires kids to combat marine pollution with rhythmic wording and powerful digital artwork of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
“This is a great opportunity for families to learn about the importance of conservation and sustainability in a fun and interactive way,” says Darrah de Groot, programs manager of the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Earth Day screenings
On the same day, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will present Space Technology: Observing Planet Earth.
“We can’t wait to celebrate Earth Day with our co-hosts,” says Leanne Jung, director of learning at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. “Join us and learn more about how space technology can help us understand the impact we have on our planet!”
Admission to the Museum of Vancouver and Vancouver Maritime Museum will be by donation on April 20. Regular fees will remain in effect at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, which is also known as the Planetarium, but Earth Day activities will remain free. Each institution will feature crafts and screenings throughout the day.
Follow Pancouver on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
