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.

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

No. The Expression of Interest helps us learn more about your experience, expectations, and interest in attending the National Gathering. Spaces are limited, and submissions will be reviewed to help ensure representation from across provinces, communities, and sectors. The team will be connecting with you for Stage 2 Link to Travel & Logistics to coordinate flight and accommodation.
Once your participation is confirmed, the National Gathering team will contact you with information about travel arrangements, accommodations, the event schedule, and other logistics ( Stage 2). Please follow the instructions provided by the team. When you receive your Flight confirmation you can confirm your participation.
There is no registration fee to attend.
The National Cultural Brokering Project will cover travel, shared accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and scheduled Gathering activities.
Participants who request a private room solely for personal comfort (and not for medical, accessibility, or other approved reasons) will be asked to contribute $200 CAD toward the additional accommodation cost.
Where available, participants within organizations that have a Professional Development Fund (or similar professional development funding) are welcome to contribute funds to help offset travel. Any such contributions are voluntary and appreciated.
All participants will be responsible for own dinners as well as any meal or incidental costs incurred during their travel to/from the Gathering.
For local participants, mileage and public transportation would be reimbursed.
The Gathering team would be reaching out to you and will appreciate your prompt response to arrange your travel.
Our team of volunteers will be there facilitating transportation and welcoming the participants to Vancouver! Please try to carpool with other attendees. The team will be sending the instructions to get the reimbursement.
You can travel from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to UBC by public transit or by taxi/Uber. ( Transportation to the airport to the venue will be covered)
1. 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.
2. Taxi / Uber 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
November in Vancouver is generally cool and rainy. We recommend bringing layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella. You may also wish to bring a reusable water bottle, any personal medications you require, and a notebook or device for participating in Gathering activities.
Please check the local weather forecast shortly before travelling, as conditions can change.
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
November 1 Dinner is optional participants are expected to attend the Gathering from November 2- 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.
Breakfast and lunch provided, dinner is on your own.
We are committed to creating an accessible and welcoming event for everyone.
Please let your local SPI or organizing team know about any accessibility, dietary, medical, or other accommodation needs, or include them in your application.