AGENDA UPDATE: 2025 West Coast Indigenous Elders’ Conference—the 2025 conference theme is, Teachings from the Past, Shaping Our Future.
With that vision in mind, we will come together to share, teach, learn, create and celebrate our rich diversity of Indigenous culture.
The Queneesh Indigenous Community Society invites First Nation, Inuit and Métis 50+ years young to come together on the Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Attendees will be welcomed by the K’ómoks First Nation & hear their Vision for the Land of Plenty. We will stretch and participate in safe movement at every level of fitness led by FIT Nation.
We will delve into the learnings of Ethnobotanist Dr. Nancy Turner, in her talk, From Taking to Tending: Looking after the Lands, Looking after the Plants, and hear Love is Medicine from Monique Gray Smith, author of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults and Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation.
We will share new possibilities for health with Heiltsuk physician, Dr. Don Wilson, in his talk on Food as Medicine. Attendees will enjoy workshops on the Traditional Use of Plants for Food & Medicine and taste delicious Traditional Plant teas and offerings from the Comox Valley.
Jean Smith & Johnathan Whonnock from ‘Namgis First Nation will share their life’s journeys in the Medicinal, Cultural & Spiritual Importance of Devil’s Club—its gathering, preparation and use as salves, teas & beads for jewellery.
Cultural Creativity—Learning, Laughing & Creating: Regalia & Na̱wiła Community Blanket Project.
We will enjoy workshops on Cedar Weaving with respected Kwakwaka'wakw Master Cedar Weaver, Tiger Leonard Williams and join Bruce Alfred, respected Kwakwaka'wakw artist and carver of the 'Namgis, to learn about Tum Tum Threads & Bentwood Box Making: Balancing Formline & Curving Wood.
We will learn about the work of the Ne'nagwa'nakwala Project investigating the former St. Michael's Indian Residential School in ‘Yalis, Alert Bay.
The evening programs have attendees coming together for delicious offerings during the West Coast Welcome Reception & Evening at Chances Casino. The second night of the conference is the Queneesh Regalia Walk & Indigenous Fashion Show Gala & Reception.
One conference fee includes all meals, events, talks & workshops, including the evening Welcome Receptions & outing to Chances Casino + Regalia Walk & Indigenous Fashion Show Gala Reception.
Registration link at komoksfestival.com or directly on Eventbrite at
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1257771681959?aff=oddtdtcreator
Accommodation not included.
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