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New executive director takes the lead at Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Late last month, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society welcomed its new executive director, Stephanie Halapija. From Ontario, Halapija moved to B.C. to become director of The Nisga’a Museum in Laxgalts’ap, near Terrace.
Richmond News
Cannery
Built in 1894 and preserved as a national historic site in the early 1980s, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston was one of the largest to operate along the waterfront. Flickr photo. Since 1986, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society has, along with support from Parks Canada, been responsible for the site and is today headed up by chair Dave Semple.

Late last month, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society welcomed its new executive director, Stephanie Halapija.

From Ontario, Halapija moved to B.C. to become director of The Nisga’a Museum in Laxgalts’ap, near Terrace. She has also contributed to exhibitions at the Museum of Anthropology, the Canadian Museum of History, the British Museum and the Bill Reid Gallery and has conducted field work in the Middle East, Canada and Europe.

Now, Halapija says she’s looking forward to “solidifying” the impact that the cannery has in the community and throughout the province.

“I love the power of building connections and true authentic visitor experiences and to do so on the scope of the Cannery’s audience is exhilarating,” Halapija said in an emailed statement.  

“I believe that museums can change the world and through the power of stories like the ones you can find here, we can build better connections to each other through our shared past.”