Art & Experience | Event Planning

IMPAC5 International Gathering

Sanala Planning, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

A Global Gathering for Ocean Conservation

The International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) is a premier global forum where ocean conservation professionals, Indigenous leaders, and high-level officials gather to inform, inspire, and act on the future of marine protected areas.

Naut’sa mawt Event Management was engaged to lead and support Indigenous events and representation at IMPAC5. We coordinated two separate gatherings with 500+ guests—a caucus and networking event, and a formal banquet—and we created and managed an Indigenous Pavilion that welcomed over 3,000 visitors throughout the week.

In collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Indigenous artists, we created engaging spaces that centred Indigenous talent, culture, and participant experience, including:

  • Indigenous Pavilion experience, including layout and design, interactive content, programming, and live art demonstrations  
  • Caucus, Networking event, and networking space to bring people together in natural, meaningful ways 
  • Indigenous Banquet to celebrate culture and welcome guests from near and far 
  • Indigenous Safe Space Room that helped ensure cultural safety throughout the event 

We coordinated custom artwork for each of these spaces and arranged standout cultural experiences for the Pavilion.

Coast Salish canoe carver and artist Beau Wagner led live canoe-building demonstrations, while artist Sesemiya (Tracy Williams) of the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw showcased fish skin leather crafting. These interactive demonstrations offered delegates a rare opportunity to witness Indigenous artistry in action, fostering connection, learning, and cultural exchange.

IMPAC5 offered a unique opportunity to embrace a collaborative, Indigenous-led approach to ocean conservation. By weaving cultural experiences into the global dialogue, we helped amplify Indigenous perspectives and underscored the importance of Indigenous leadership in safeguarding the oceans for future generations.