Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial
About the Monument
The Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial is a free-standing monument that remembers local Steveston fishermen who lost their lives while at work. Located in Steveston’s Garry Point Park along the south arm of the Fraser River, the monument takes on the form of a fisherman’s needle with the design of a compass incorporated into its stone base.
The monument was the culmination of a memorial project which began in 1990, with the collection of names of fishermen, known to Steveston, who had died while working in the bustling fishing industry. By May 4, 1996, the date in which the monument was officially unveiled, the names of 147 fishermen and their boats were engraved on the walls circling the compass’ perimeter. View the list of current names and vessels inscribed on the monument.
The following statement is inscribed into the monument:
Steveston harbour remains a busy fishing harbour with many boats coming and going. While the industry is safer than in the past, from time to time fishermen still lose their lives while fishing. The Fisherman’s Memorial continues to be a living monument to these individuals with new names being added every few years. These individuals are remembered at an annual event at the Memorial on April 28, the National Day of Mourning.
The Memorial is part of the City’s public art collection. For more information on the design of the monument, please visit Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial.
Apply to Add a Loved One
The City of Richmond, working with Steveston community members, reviews applications for those who have lost a loved one and would like to have their name inscribed on the monument. Eligible nominees considered for inclusion on the Fisherman’s Memorial must meet the following criteria:
- They must have been a commercial fisherman
- They must have fished out of the home port of Steveston
- They must have died while pursuing the act of commercial fishing either:
- Preparing to go to sea
- At sea
- Returning from sea
Applications may be submitted by a relative, friend, or crew member of the nominee. Applicants must provide supporting documents (ie: Certificate of Death, news articles, vessel information, photographs, etc) with the completed application to demonstrate how the individual meets the criteria above.
Applications to have nominees added to the Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial Monument are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Please note that the cost of the engraving will be covered by contributions of applicants.
Please submit completed applications or send questions to museum@richmond.ca.