Events

The Natural History Museum is pleased to co-produce a series of expeditions and events on the occasion of the 13th Clean Energy Ministerial in Pittsburgh on September 20-23, 2022. This work is dedicated to frontline communities and will shine a spotlight on the costs, health impacts and environmental devastation caused by extractive and fossil fuel-based energy initiatives.

Spirit of the Waters Totem Pole Journey brings together ceremony, art, science, spirituality, ancestral knowledge, and cross-cultural collaboration in support of the movement to remove the Snake River dams and restore to health the Snake River salmon and the orcas that depend on them.

Whale People: Protectors of the Sea is an outdoor exhibition featuring a 3,000 pound orca totem pole, salmon carvings, and an award-winning IMAX-style film projection that tells the story of today’s environmental emergency through the figure of the orca.

Lummi carvers transport an orca totem pole, salmon carvings, and our award-winning “Whale People” exhibit to communities throughout the Salish Sea and Snake River bioregion, drawing attention to the extinction crisis facing Pacific Northwest salmon and orcas, and building support for the movement to remove the Snake River dams.

After thousands of miles traveled and dozens of events across the country on the Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey for the Protection of Sacred Places, we come to the final stop. Join us on the National Mall for a ceremony and rally featuring tribal leaders, Native and allied organizers, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.