World Ocean Day Celebrations Port of Iona + St. Columba Parish Centre + Àros na Mara Discovery Centre

Morning Program | St. Columba Parish Centre

9:00–11:00 a.m. — Film Screening: British Colombia Three films shown over a light breakfast (approx. 1 hr 50 min).

11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Biadh is Baile | Highland Fare Day Join us at Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village to hear stories of the ocean, tall tales of fishing, and enjoy a taste of traditional Highland fare with fish cakes. General admission applies.

Opening Ceremony | Port of Iona

11:30 a.m. — Piping by Aiden MacNeil

12:00 p.m. — Official Opening of World Oceans Day MC: Eva Carmichael

• Land and Water Acknowledgement
• Blessing and Remarks by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall
• O Canada performed by the Rankin School of the Narrows Choir in four languages
• Opening Remarks by Dr. Bruce Hatcher

Displays, Demonstrations, and Celebration | Port of Iona + Àros na Mara Discovery Centre | 12:00–4:00 p.m.

12:00–4:00 p.m. — Displays and information tables 12:00–4:00 p.m. — Live music: Luke Boudreau, Kyle LeVescounte, Kaj Udby, Jordi Martin, John Angus MacNeil, and others 12:00–4:00 p.m. — Children’s activities, antique and custom cars, Northside Motorcycle Club 12:00–3:00 p.m. — Chowder and food service 12:00–3:30 p.m. — Student and community artwork display: Under the Sea Over the Bridge Creations (various art forms by Rankin School of the Narrows, Baddeck Academy students, and local artisans)

12:30 p.m. — Bras d’Or Watch (at the beach) 12:30 p.m. — Girls on Boards

1:00–2:30 p.m. — Interactive lake water testing (TBC), Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Region / Water Rangers 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. — iNaturalist app demonstration (TBC), Maureen MacMillan 2:00 p.m. — Lillianah Technologies information session

All day — NSCC safety display (TBC): lifeboat, life jackets, and immersion suits All day — Michael Gerhardtz videos All day — BlueROV2 demonstration: second day of underwater demonstration in the Barra Strait, interpreted by the youth team

World Oceans Day Forum | St. Columba Parish Centre | 1:00–3:00 p.m. Concurrent with the main celebration at the Port

“Keeping Our Little Ocean Healthy” This two-hour forum will examine the long-term health of the Bras d’Or Lake / Pitu’paq. Developed in partnership with Dr. Bruce Hatcher of Cape Breton University and Eva Carmichael from Dalhousie University, and co-sponsored by the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region Association.

The forum is open to the public. Special invitations will be extended to participants from Waters Flowing Together (October 2025) and the Dr. Owens business luncheon. The session will be recorded and supported by a professional note-taker. A short summary paper will be circulated to participants and partners within 60 days.

Closing

3:45 p.m. — Closing remarks by Vince MacLean

Sunday Evening — Iona Heights Inn and Pub A warm, informal close to the 10th Anniversary week.