Welcome to the Western Gathering 2026!

This Gathering is a space for Cultural Brokers to come together, share stories, and reconnect with the purpose of our work across Canada.

Storytelling is at the heart of Cultural Brokering. Every day, Cultural Brokers listen, bridge cultures, and support newcomers as they navigate new systems and experiences. These stories carry knowledge, resilience, and hope.

This year’s theme, Honoring Stories, Building Futures, invites us to centre storytelling as a path toward resilience, reconciliation, and collective growth. Inspired by Indigenous teachings that honour oral traditions and shared narratives, we come together to honour the stories of the past and present — and to create space for healing, learning, and belonging.

Together, we will reflect, learn, and build futures rooted in respect, shared responsibility, and community.

Program

    • 3:00 PM— Arrivals and Registration at the Hotel

    • 4:00 – 4:30 PM— Local Registration (Ponderosa Ballroom)

    • 4:30 – 5:15 PM— Gathering Expectations & Information Sharing

    • 5:15 – 5:45 PM — Project Team Welcome & Reflections on Phase 1

    • 5:45 – 6:45 PM — Welcoming Activity

    • 6:45 – 8:00 PM — Dinner

    • 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Breakfast

    • 9:15 – 9:45 AM — Welcome Words & Artistic Performance

    • 9:45 – 10:15 AM — Evaluation

    • 10:15 – 11:30 AM — Cultural Brokering Research Session

    • 11:30 – 11:45 AM — Break

    • 11:45 – 12:45 PM — BC Curriculum Team – Chapter 5: The Role of Cultural Brokers

    • 12:45 – 1:45 PM — Lunch

    • 1:45 – 2:45 PM — Session with Bonface

    • 2:45 – 3:00 PM— Break

    • 3:00 – 4:00 PM — AB Curriculum Team – Chapter 6: Global & Historical Context of Cultural Brokering Practice

    • 4:00 – 4:45 PM— Lorne’s Connection Activity & Presentation

    • 5:00 – 5:30 PM — Evaluation

    • 5:30 – 6:30 PM — Early Informal Dinner & Flexible Evening

    • 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Breakfast

    • 9:15 – 9:45 AM — Evaluation

    • 9:45 AM – 12:45 PM — Session with Dr. Sophie

    • 12:45 – 1:45 PM— Lunch

    • 1:45 – 4:45 PM — Leadership & Public Speaker Session

    • 4:45 – 5:15 PM— Evaluation

    • 5:15 – 5:30 PM— Break

    • 5:30 – 7:30 PM — Dinner & Stories of the Land: Coast Salish

    • 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Breakfast

    • 9:15 – 9:45 AM — Evaluation

    • 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM — Provincial Meetings

    • 12:15 – 1:00 PM — Lunch

    • 1:00 – 2:00 PM — Closing Circle & Connection Activity (Lorne)

    • 2:00 – 2:15 PM — Final Words

    • 2:15 PM onward — Optional Visit to the Museum of Anthropology (departing from venue)

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.

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.

Contact & Support

Partners