My First Time in Churchill
By Katie, Digital Marketing Coordinator
There is something special about Churchill. The coast stretches endlessly toward the horizon out before you, ice floes drift across the bay, and bright orange lichen and tiny purple flowers bloom against the tundra. But what stayed with me most wasn’t the landscape. It was the people.
As memorable as my first experience in Churchill was, we weren’t there simply as visitors. We had come to celebrate our shared connection to Hudson Bay and spend time with the community following Ocean Week.
What were we doing in Churchill?
Last week, CPAWS Manitoba team members, Carly, Deb, Ron and I, travelled to Churchill to join the community in celebrating our shared love for the ocean, by hosting a block party!
One of our team’s favourite parts of visiting Churchill is the chance to connect with members of the community. We learned, listened and shared back in 2024 at the Honouring the Water Gathering. This year, we wanted to create a space especially for children and families to celebrate their connection to the ocean and the incredible wildlife it supports. And so, the Beluga Block Party was born!
We brought people together to share stories, learn about Western Hudson Bay’s marine life, and simply enjoy time with one another. We spent the evening barbecuing, face painting, making beluga hats, colouring, and laughing together. Those conversations, connections, and shared experiences are exactly why protecting Hudson Bay matters. The ocean and its wildlife are deeply woven into the identity, culture, economy, and future of Churchill, making the long-term protection of these waters more important than ever.
Why Protecting Hudson Bay Matters
After spending time in Churchill, it became even clearer why so many people care deeply about the future of Hudson Bay. The bay is home to beluga whales, polar bears, migratory birds, and countless other species, but it is also central to the culture identity, and livelihoods of northern communities.
We support the idea of exploring the establishment of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in the region to protect these species and their environment, while securing cherished regional cultures, ways of life for Indigenous peoples, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. NMCAs limit harmful activities like deep sea oil drilling and bottom trawling, while allowing things like sustainable tourism and fishing. Establishing an NMCA in Western Hudson Bay could safeguard wildlife, protect local ways of life and promote long-term economic opportunities.
“It’s always heartwarming to hear from Churchillians and members of regional Indigenous communities how important the belugas, bears, and birds are and that we need to protect them,” said Ron Thiessen, Executive Director of the CPAWS Manitoba. “It’s our mission to help ensure that local communities, rightsholders, and stakeholders lead the way in shaping the future of the Bay.”
One of the things we wanted to accomplish with the Beluga Block Party was to encourage everyone to drop into the Parks Canada open house the following day to learn about the NMCA opportunity. We were happy to see that many did! The open house had beautiful displays, clear information, fun games, and merchandise (my favourite was the stickers!). Parks Canada and Manitoba Parks branch staff were on hand and did a wonderful job of discussing the initiative with all that attended.
What the Community Taught Me
Churchill taught me that you don’t need years to feel connected to a place and the people who call it home.
Walking into a room of strangers and leaving feeling like friends was an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment someone jokingly said to me, “Who’re you? Why don’t I know you?,” I felt welcomed. By the end of the trip, familiar faces greeted us everywhere we went. We left with several new connections and with new friends like Nancy and Ernie. When we met Nancy at the Seaport Hotel, she welcomed us with open arms. After running into her everyday, we were always met with warm hugs, and kisses on our cheeks.
The community’s passion for the coast, its wildlife, and one another was inspiring. It reminded me that conservation is truly about people—the relationships we build, the stories we share, and the responsibility we all have to care for the places we love.
“Everytime I come to Churchill I fall in love with it all over again. The comradery with the people, the spectacular wildlife, the scrumptious food, and the eccentric displays of the past and present in town and across the surrounding landscape never fail to inspire me,” said Ron.
Thank you Churchill
We were grateful for the opportunity to spend time in the town and to connect with people who care deeply about the waters, wildlife, and future of Hudson Bay.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into your community. Thanks to all who visited the block party, said “Hi” to us at the store, shared a meal or drink with us at the Seaport Hotel, or stopped us to ask for a Beluga hat.
Thanks to the Seaport Hotel for welcoming us and letting us use their freezer (Shout out Bee!). Thanks to Ray and the recreation complex for helping us with many things regarding our event. Thanks to Ernie for helping us barbecue. Thanks to Mayor Mike Spence for the excellent hospitality, sitting to chat with us on several occasions, his wise words, and for taking the time to let us interview him about the NMCA initiative.
Churchill reminded me that protecting places like Hudson Bay is about people, relationships and the deep connections that exist between communities and the places they call home.
I arrived in Churchill excited to see the coast for the first time. I left with a much deeper appreciation for the people who live there and the future they are shaping for Hudson Bay. I can’t wait to come back.
Learn More:
Learn more about why Western Hudson Bay needs to be protected.
Show your support and take action by signing a letter.
Read about our last trip to Churchill in February 2026.
Check out our content from Churchill on our social pages, Instagram.