Join the Museum for a fun-for-all-ages celebration of its newest featured exhibit, Whale People: Protectors of the Sea. Jump into the ocean and swim alongside killer whales in this unique totem exhibition.

This unique display features a 16-foot-long, hand-carved totem of an orca and a rider, with two separate 8-foot seals, and also marks the first time the piece has entered a museum. The totem will be surrounded by a multichannel experience with footage of the whales in their natural habitat alongside native ceremonies. See artifacts from the Florida Museum’s argillite collection, including hand-carved platters and pipes. Learn about conservation efforts to protect the whale and its natural habitat.

Schedule:

(estimated times; subject to change)

• 1:05 p.m.: Opening remarks from the Florida Museum Director Douglas S. Jones
• 1:15 p.m.: Expression of gratitude from Lummi Nation Tribal Councilman Fred Lane
• 1:25 p.m.: House of Tears Carver Doug James will discuss the message and meaning of the totem
• 1:30 p.m.: Closing remarks regarding the vision of the exhibit
• 1:40 p.m.: Whale song from Doug James
• 1:50 to 3 p.m.: Visitors are invited to explore the exhibit and speak with Lummi tribe members

Whale People: Protectors of the Sea was created by the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation and The Natural History Museum, a traveling pop-up museum that partners with scientists, major public museums, educators, artists and community groups.