Vancouver Island North – a candidate Whale Heritage Site, includes the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, whose connection to the Max’inux or killer whale can be traced back through generations, not only through art, song and dance, but also through the verbal history of the Max’inux clan, whose ancestors are said to have descended from killer whales.

Northern Vancouver Island is the habitat of eight species of cetacean and is a global trendsetter for whale research, responsible whale watching and conservation. In this video, responsible whale watch expert Andrew Jones (Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures) and researcher Jared Towers (North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA)) discuss the area and the Whale Heritage Site accreditation process.