​4 My Ancestors is a cultural empowerment company founded by Megan Isaac and Pewi
Alfred, rooted in a deep commitment to healing, identity, and Indigenous resilience.

Inspired by their ancestral teachings and a profound connection to their lands and people,
4 My Ancestors was created as a platform to uplift Indigenous voices through cultural
revitalization, traditional knowledge, and spiritual wellness, shared through fashion.

The mission of 4 My Ancestors is to bring back balance, healing, and inspiration to
Indigenous communities by promoting love, respect, and a deep understanding of our roots.
​
Guided by Indigenous teachings, the company believes that true healing begins with
self-love, cultural reconnection, and honoring who we are. Through traditional values and
spiritual practices, 4 My Ancestors encourages a healthy lifestyle grounded in cultural
identity and ancestral wisdom.

Together, Megan and Pewi share a vision to create space for cultural medicine, kindness,
and compassion as powerful tools for healing and transformation. Their work actively
addresses the impacts of intergenerational trauma while empowering the next generation
to reclaim their stories, traditions, and self-worth.

Looking to the future, 4 My Ancestors is committed to expanding its impact in Indigenous
fashion, wellness, and education. Every project, collaboration, and creation serves as a
bridge between past and future, honoring the ancestors while inspiring future generations
to walk in strength, pride, and cultural truth.

We are proud to host them as featured designers at the QICS Indigenous Fashion Gala 2025 as part of the West Coast Elders' Conference in Courtenay, BC, May 28, 2025.

We look forward to hearing inspiring words from Monique Gray Smith in her talk, Braiding Sweetgrass: Love is Medicine, at the QICS West Coast Elders' Conference in Courtenay, British Columbia. She will bring words of love and hope to our Elders to bring back to share with our communities. 

Monique is a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent and is the proud Mom of twins.  She is an award-winning author, speaker and sought-after consultant. Monique has been running her business, Little Drum Consulting since 1996. Her career has focused on fostering paradigm shifts that emphasize the strength and resiliency of the First Peoples in Canada.

Monique’s first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience won the 2014 Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature and her first children’s book, My Heart Fills with Happiness won the 2017 Christie Harris BC Book Award for Children’s Literature.

Her latest release, Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation is currently being used across the country as a tool to educate the hearts and minds of both young and not so young readers. Monique has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 26 years and is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

For more information, visit www.komoksfestival.com or search for the West Coast Elders' Conference on Eventbrite for full details on the conference and Monique's talk.

Calling all Cedar Weavers & Those Who Want to Learn!
​
We will be hosting a Traditional Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop with respected Kwakwaka'wakw Master Cedar Weaver, Tiger Leonard Williams, at the close of this year's West Coast Elders' Conference.

This will be a chance to sit with a Master Weaver with everything prepared for you to Begin, Learn, Laugh and Finish a Cedar Hat following Kwakwaka'wakw This will be a chance to sit with a Master Weaver with everything prepared for you to begin, Learn, laugh and finish a Cedar Hat following Kwakwaka'wakw Tradition.

We will share in laughter, learning and Kwak'wala language as we weave together to create works of wearable art you will be proud to wear.

Traditional Weavers of the Northwest Coast each have their style, weaving techniques, designs, and practices. It is a skill passed down through generations, and Tiger Leonard Williams honours us with this gift.

You will learn about the cultural and material significance of Cedar and gain hands-on experience. We have two workshops happening ongoing throughout the day:
Our Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a Lunch Break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Our Bracelet Workshops run throughout the day. Drop in for bracelet times from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  ​You get to keep your bracelet and hat to enjoy for years to come. You will wear them with pride, knowing they were made by your hand!

Note: the Queneesh Indigenous Society West Coast Elders' Conference is for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Elders Only. The Cedar Weaving Workshops on Thursday, May 29, 2025, are open to everyone.
​
The workshops are held outside at the Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, British Columbia. For more information, email [email protected]

Attention all Artisan Market Vendors. Join in for the QICS 'Hase Indigenous Artisan Market, Courtenay, BC, on May 29, 2025. This will be a market of talented artisans and those sharing information important to our communities. 
​
To register your spot, follow the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../qics-hase-indigenous...
#vendor #marketplace #courtenay #vendorswanted #artisan #queneesh #indigenous

LUSH Valley is a proud member of the Island Food Hubs, a group eight of food access organizations from all across Vancouver Island.

Recently, leaders from each organization, along with Public Health and Indigenous Dietitians gathered in Port Alberni to share challenges and opportunities, and discuss ways to collaboratively address food insecurity and promote the health of urban, rural, remote and Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island.

They toured the Hupacasath First Nation Community Farm and The Dock Plus to learn more about local food initiatives in the Alberni Valley and left feeling incredibly inspired! Thanks to AV Food Society for hosting, and Grassroots for feeding everyone so well – it wouldn’t be a Food Hubs gathering without delicious, nourishing local food.
​
Check out each of the Island Food Hubs to see the exciting and unique work being done in food security all across Vancouver Island, from Victoria to Port Hardy:
​
@avfoodsociety
Capital Region Fair
@clayoquotbiosphere
@cowichangreencommunity
@greenwaystrust
Kwakiutl Health Centre
@lushvalleyfood
@nanaimofoodshare

The Queneesh Indigenous Community Society would like to thank Lush Valley for their ongoing commitment and support of all of our communities! Gilakas'la—we love you guys!

​ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin in Nuu-chah-nulth which translates to Doing it for our Ancestors is a project led by Tseshaht First Nation working to heal and bring answers to those affected by the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS).

We welcome Andrea Pettigrew, Records Coordinator and Leanne Harding, Engagement Coordinator, members of the their team of supportive and caring individuals committed to researching AIRS history and reporting truthful findings will be on hand at the conference to share about their important work. To connect with them, visit https://tseshaht.com/airs-team/