From Oysters to Orcas is back – and you’re invited!
Wednesday, February 26th | Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, Vancouver | 7 pm – 9:30 pm
We are excited to announce that tickets for the eighth annual “From Oysters to Orcas” fundraising event are on sale now. This special evening in support of Georgia Strait Alliance will take place on Wednesday, February 26th at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, Vancouver’s only tide-to-table oyster bar.
Guests will enjoy a casual evening of mingling with other supporters of a sustainable Salish Sea while sampling an incredible array of canopés made from the freshest local seafood, along with some seriously tasty cocktails.
We’ll be joined by special guests from Tseil-Waututh Nation who will be talking about their stewardship efforts in səlilwət (Burrard Inlet), and how everyone has a role to play to help restore the health of the Inlet.
Read more about this fascinating talk and the speakers below.
MENU by Chef Alex Guido
Sea-cuterie boards with smoked scallops, mussels, tuna crude, kelp pickles, and more!
Fresh Oysters bar with BC and Washington oysters
Geoduck Sashimi ~ Cherry Stone Clams ~ Prawn Cocktail ~ Grilled Oysters ~ Dungeness Crab Bao Buns ~ Spicy King Salmon Sushi Roll ~ Tuna Tartlets
DESSERTS
Dessert bites by pastry chef Alina Slupchenko
DRINKS
Signature cocktails by Copperpenny Station ~ Russel Brewing ~ Phillips Brewing ~ Twin Sails ~ Lakeside Cellars
The fabulous feast isn’t the only attraction! You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the seafood you’re eating, watch an oyster shucking demonstration, hear from special guest speakers, and learn about GSA’s work in the region.
At the heart of GSA’s approach to environmental conservation is providing equitable opportunities for everyone to connect with the Salish Sea. That’s why this year, we’re trying something a little different. To make the rich bounty of the Salish Sea more accessible we’re offering sliding-scale ticket pricing ranging from $75 to $150.
We hope you will be with us again this year, as we hear from inspiring speakers and enjoy the company of other supporters of a sustainable Salish Sea. Bring a friend!
About the talk
səlilwət (Burrard Inlet) is at the core of Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s (TWN) unceded traditional territory, within the metropolitan Vancouver region. The Inlet has been used, occupied, and governed according to Coast Salish protocol since time immemorial.
However, adverse effects of colonial settlement, urban, industrial, and port development, including pollution, and resource exploitation have eroded the ecological health, integrity, and diversity of səlilwət and are preventing Tsleil-Waututh from practicing their ways of life.
Examples are a ban on shellfish harvesting since 1972 due to contamination, losses of key species such as herring due to overexploitation, and closures of waterfront areas.
Collectively, these reduce or eliminate access and availability of important sites and foods, among other impacts.
TWN has a goal to restore the health of the Inlet so the community can once again utilize the waters and beaches of səlilwət for traditional food harvesting and other cultural practices.
TWN is playing a proactive role in improving the ecological integrity and health of Burrard Inlet while upholding obligations to past, present, and future generations of Tsleil-Waututh people in accordance with Tsleil-Waututh law.
About the guest speakers
Michelle George is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and currently works as a Tsleil-Waututh Nation Cultural and Technical Specialist for the Treaty, Lands and Resources (TLR) Department. She participates in various projects for the TWN government and community, focusing on Tsleil-Waututh Governance and Community. The goals that she carries in her work are to make sure Tsleil-Waututh culture is included and considered in these Nation-level projects, as well as within the reviews done on external projects within the TWN Consultation area. She has been a member of both the Tsleil-Waututh Land Code Committee and Land Use Planning group. Michelle is also a First Nations Health Authority Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and a past-Elected Councilor for Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Michelle also provides guest lectures at Simon Fraser University, Langara College, and the BC Institute of Technology.
Anuradha Rao is the Senior Environmental Specialist – Marine Ecosystems on staff with Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Her work currently focuses on marine policy development and implementation, and coastal/marine ecosystem research and restoration. She is a Registered Professional Biologist, writer and facilitator. She has worked on research, conservation, mapping, planning, policy, restoration and stewardship projects across Canada and in 12 other countries. She is the author of the book One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet (Orca Books, 2020) and has authored or co-authored more than 60 other technical and popular works.
We hope you’ll be able to join us for an evening of food and conversations while learning from Michelle and Anu about TWN’s current stewardship efforts, and how everyone has a role to play to help restore the health of the Inlet.
Images from last year’s delectable menu