Welcome to the National Gathering 2026!

The National Gathering 2026 will bring together Cultural Brokers and community leaders from across Canada to connect, share lived experiences, and strengthen the practice of Cultural Brokering.

Guided by this year’s theme, Cultural Brokering: Connecting Communities, Strengthening Canada, the Gathering invites us to collectively explore an important question: Why is the practice of Cultural Brokering important to Canada’s success?

Through shared learning, reflection, and relationship-building, participants will explore how Cultural Brokering contributes to belonging, trust, equitable access to services, reconciliation, and stronger public systems. Together, we will recognize the essential role Cultural Brokers play in connecting communities and helping build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

Did You Miss the Pre-Workshop?

No worries — here’s the recording so you can catch up anytime.

Local Recommendations

UBC Cafes and Restaurants

While all meals will be provided during the Gathering, UBC offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants if you’d like to explore the campus food scene.
Spanish Banks, Locarno & Jericho Beach

A beautiful stretch of beaches just a short taxi or Uber ride from the venue — perfect for an evening walk and ocean views. (Watch out for puddles after dark!
UBC Aquatic Centre

Only a 2–3 minute walk from the accommodation. Includes a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. Drop-in swim times are available every evening.
Granville Island

A popular destination for visitors, known for its public market, local shops, and waterfront views. The market closes at 6pm, but the surrounding seawall remains open for evening walks.
Downtown & Gastown

Both areas offer restaurants, shops, and scenic waterfront views — a great way to experience Vancouver’s city atmosphere.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Discover Indigenous art and cultural belongings from the Northwest Coast and around the world at one of UBC’s most iconic museums.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Explore peaceful forest trails surrounding the UBC campus, a perfect place to walk, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Explore Vancouver’s natural history museum and discover the interconnectedness of life through UBC’s extensive biodiversity collections.

Everything You Need to Know

You can travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to UBC by public transit or by taxi/Uber.
- Public Transit (SkyTrain + Bus)
  Follow the green signs for the Canada Line SkyTrain inside the airport.
  Take the train toward Waterfront Station, get off at Oakridge–41st Avenue Station, and transfer to the R4 bus toward UBC.
  Exit at UBC Bus Loop and walk to your accommodation for check-in.
- Taxi / Uber
  Taxis are available outside the arrivals area, or you can book an Uber through the app.
  Estimated cost: $45–$70 CAD
  Estimated travel time: 35–50 minutes
📍 Destination address:
Hotel : 5959 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1K2
Event Venue: Ponderosa Commons Ballroom, 1Z2, 6445 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC
📌 Don’t forget! Please keep your receipt for reimbursement.
There will be no private shuttle service provided.
- Participants living in Vancouver or Metro Vancouver are asked to commute using their usual transportation methods (public transit, personal vehicle, or carpooling). Mileage and parking will be reimbursed.
- Participants traveling from outside Vancouver (arriving by flight) may use public transit (SkyTrain + bus) or Uber from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to UBC.
Yes, participants are expected to attend the full Gathering from February 1–4. Sessions are designed to build on one another, and the shared group experience is an essential part of the program.
If you anticipate any challenges with attendance, please contact the organizing team as soon as possible.
Yes. The project covers:
- Taxi or Uber rides between the airport and the venue for out-of-town participants
- Mileage and parking for local participants
We encourage carpooling when possible.
Please remember to save all receipts and watch for reimbursement instructions.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- A jacket or raincoat (Vancouver weather can change quickly ☔)
- A reusable water bottle
- A notebook or journal
- Any personal items you may need for your stay
- A swimsuit (optional, if you’d like to visit the UBC Aquatic Centre)
February can be cool and rainy.
We recommend bringing:
- A warm jacket
- Comfortable closed shoes
- An umbrella or raincoat
There is:
- A small public transit bus between the accommodation and venue
- Easy access to public transit to explore Vancouver
- Taxi and Uber services available
That’s okay! A recorded version of the orientation and introduction session will be available on YouTube, so you can watch it and receive all the important information to prepare for the Gathering.
Here is the link