June 5, 2025
Ocean Week Canada Event, Ocean Soundscapes, Sells Out as Interest Surges in Marine
Conservation and Protecting Hudson Bay’s Incredible Ecosystems
Winnipeg, MB — CPAWS Manitoba is thrilled to announce that its upcoming Ocean Soundscapes
event has officially sold out! The overwhelming interest in this unique celebration of music, art,
and marine education speaks volumes about Manitobans’ passion for the ocean of Western
Hudson Bay and the desire to keep it healthy.
“This kind of turnout demonstrates that people care deeply about protecting our
oceans—especially the waters off Manitoba’s northern coastline,” said Ron Thiessen, Executive
Director of CPAWS Manitoba. “Western Hudson Bay is a globally significant ecosystem and it’s
why Churchill is referred to as the Polar Bear Capitol of the World. We’re pleased to see so many
Manitobans eager to learn more.”
Taking place today at Qaumajuq inside the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Ocean Soundscapes is part of
Ocean Week Canada—a national celebration of ocean connection and conservation. This free
event offers an immersive cinematic experience with acclaimed musician Rob Knaggs, whose
cello performances are inspired by his time living in Churchill and playing for beluga whales.
Attendees will also engage in storytelling and video art, hear from key spokespeople, and learn
more about the vital role Western Hudson Bay plays in Canada’s marine ecosystem.
CPAWS Manitoba has long advocated for exploring the creation of a National Marine
Conservation Area (NMCA) in Western Hudson Bay, as initially proposed by Parks Canada in 2017.
This ocean region is under pressure from the loss of sea ice and a prospective increase in
shipping traffic. Informed by consultations with regional communities and stakeholders, this
federal designation would help safeguard the region’s fragile biodiversity, including polar bears,
55,000 beluga whales, and hundreds of other species. It would also support local economies
through sustainable jobs, enhance regional cultures, encourage infrastructure investment, and
bolster tourism.
“Manitobans have sent over 14,000 postcards and emails to the federal government calling on it
to launch the long-awaited feasibility study for the National Marine Conservation Area,” said
Thiessen. “After 8 years of waiting, it’s high-time for this much-needed undertaking to begin.”
Ocean Soundscapes is part of Ocean Week Canada, a national celebration that brings
communities together to deepen their connection with water and raise awareness about the
importance of ocean protection—from coast to coast to coast.
This event is made possible thanks to grant funding from the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition’s
Ocean Week Canada Community Events program. We’re grateful for their support in helping
connect more people to the ocean and the waterways that lead to it.
Ocean Week celebrations continue the following day with a Water Walk, a family-friendly guided
walk through Winnipeg’s Exchange District, where participants will trace the journey of water from
southern Manitoba to Hudson Bay. Hosted in partnership with CPAWS and the Manitoba Museum,
the walk explores the powerful links between our southern rivers and our northern coastline.
Event Details:
Ocean Soundscapes
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Qaumajuq, Winnipeg Art Gallery
Status: SOLD OUT
Ocean Week Water Walk
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM and 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Location: Lower Concourse, Manitoba Museum
Status: Limited tickets still available
Media Contact
Ron Thiessen, Executive Director
CPAWS Manitoba
[email protected]
Cell: 204-794-4971
Office: 204-990-PAWS (7297)
Background Information: About CPAWS Manitoba
The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Manitoba) is a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting Manitoba’s lands and waters for future
generations. Founded in 1991, we are proudly Manitoban and committed to making sure the voice
of conservation is heard on issues that affect our parks, natural spaces, and wildlife.
We take a grassroots, evidence-based, and respectful approach to conservation—working
collaboratively with communities, Indigenous Nations, and governments to safeguard nature and
ensure sustainable land-use decisions. Our efforts have helped establish 23 parks and protected
areas across the province, covering nearly 26,000 square kilometres—an area larger than Lake
Winnipeg.
We also believe in the power of connection. Since 2021, more than 16,000 people have joined us
for Nature Club activities like guided hikes and paddle nights, and over 22,000 children have
taken part in our Outdoor Education Program .
CPAWS Manitoba is primarily funded by grants and individual donations. Only 15% of our support
comes from government sources, with just 7% from federal funding. We are committed to
transparency, with publicly available financial and impact reports.
As Manitobans, we live, work, and play here—and we are passionate about protecting what
makes this province so special.