2025 Conference Highlights
We are excited to announce the 2025 West Coast Indigenous Elders Conference at the Crown Isle Resort, 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia from May 27 - 29, 2025
25 West Coast Indigenous Elders’ Conference—the 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 Noelle Hanuse.
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. Nancy Turner is one of the world’s leading ethnobotanists, celebrated for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of botany, ecology, and Indigenous knowledge.
We will come together to hear Braiding Sweetgrass: 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 Diane MacLean (Bear Dreamer), Métis Storyteller, Environmental Educator and Elder—in her inspiring talk, Foraging Where You Are At, for your wellbeing.
Attendees will enjoy workshops on the Traditional Use of Plants for Food & Medicine and taste delicious Traditional Foods in Culturally Rooted in Wellness with waakiitusis Nitanis Desjarlais, Indigenous Foodie Mamma, Northern Cree raised on the Northwest Coast and living and raising her family in Ahousaht Nation, Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nation Traditional Territory.
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 share time with Gerry Thomas, Secwépemc Artisan, Knowledge Keeper & Master Basket Weaver as he brings to life a practice gifted by his ancestors: the weaving of Cedar Root and Birch Bark Baskets.
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. We will also hear from the Tseshaht’s ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin, Doing it for our Ancestors, Alberni Indian Residential School(AIRS) team, who are working to bring answers, heal and change the narrative of where the Alberni Indian Residential School once stood.
The evening programs have attendees coming together for delicious offerings during the West Coast Welcome Reception at the Crown Isle Resort & Evening at Chances Casino Courtenay, 361 Hunt Road (5 Mins from the Hotel). The second night of the conference is the Queneesh Regalia Walk & Indigenous Fashion Show Gala & Reception produced by Fashion Speaks International and featuring 4 Our Ancestors at the Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Avenue (8 Mins from the Hotel).
The 'Hase Artisan Market returns on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 10 AM to 6 PM, featuring Bruce Alfred demonstrating Bentwood Box Making, Tiger Leonard Williams sharing Cedar Weaving and Corrine Hunt as the Featured Artist.
One conference fee includes all meals, events, talks & workshops, including the evening receptions & gala. Register via the link below. Invoices are available for organizations and Nations. The conference fee does not include accommodation.
The Crown Isle is now full for accommodation. We have organized a reduced rate at the Bayview Hotel in Courtenay for those looking to book their stay.
25 West Coast Indigenous Elders’ Conference—the 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 Noelle Hanuse.
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. Nancy Turner is one of the world’s leading ethnobotanists, celebrated for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of botany, ecology, and Indigenous knowledge.
We will come together to hear Braiding Sweetgrass: 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 Diane MacLean (Bear Dreamer), Métis Storyteller, Environmental Educator and Elder—in her inspiring talk, Foraging Where You Are At, for your wellbeing.
Attendees will enjoy workshops on the Traditional Use of Plants for Food & Medicine and taste delicious Traditional Foods in Culturally Rooted in Wellness with waakiitusis Nitanis Desjarlais, Indigenous Foodie Mamma, Northern Cree raised on the Northwest Coast and living and raising her family in Ahousaht Nation, Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nation Traditional Territory.
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 share time with Gerry Thomas, Secwépemc Artisan, Knowledge Keeper & Master Basket Weaver as he brings to life a practice gifted by his ancestors: the weaving of Cedar Root and Birch Bark Baskets.
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. We will also hear from the Tseshaht’s ʔuuʔatumin yaqckʷiimitqin, Doing it for our Ancestors, Alberni Indian Residential School(AIRS) team, who are working to bring answers, heal and change the narrative of where the Alberni Indian Residential School once stood.
The evening programs have attendees coming together for delicious offerings during the West Coast Welcome Reception at the Crown Isle Resort & Evening at Chances Casino Courtenay, 361 Hunt Road (5 Mins from the Hotel). The second night of the conference is the Queneesh Regalia Walk & Indigenous Fashion Show Gala & Reception produced by Fashion Speaks International and featuring 4 Our Ancestors at the Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Avenue (8 Mins from the Hotel).
The 'Hase Artisan Market returns on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 10 AM to 6 PM, featuring Bruce Alfred demonstrating Bentwood Box Making, Tiger Leonard Williams sharing Cedar Weaving and Corrine Hunt as the Featured Artist.
One conference fee includes all meals, events, talks & workshops, including the evening receptions & gala. Register via the link below. Invoices are available for organizations and Nations. The conference fee does not include accommodation.
The Crown Isle is now full for accommodation. We have organized a reduced rate at the Bayview Hotel in Courtenay for those looking to book their stay.
Designer, Model & Vendor Info
Queneesh Regalia Walk & Indigenous Fashion Show Gala & Reception produced by Fashion Speaks International will be Wed, May 28, 2025 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Designer & Model Applications information at fsimodels@gmail.com.
The "Hase Artisan Market returns on Thurs, May 29, 2025. Vendor Registration is now open on the West Coast Elders' Conference Eventbrite Link. Click the Orange Button above to register as a vendor.
The "Hase Artisan Market returns on Thurs, May 29, 2025. Vendor Registration is now open on the West Coast Elders' Conference Eventbrite Link. Click the Orange Button above to register as a vendor.
Call for Sponsorship
Gilakas'la! We are excited to announce the West Coast Indigenous Elders Conference will be May 27 - 29, 2025 at the Crown Isle Resort, 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
The 2025 West Coast Indigenous Elders Conference will bring together our Elders to share, learn, create and celebrate our rich diversity of Indigenous cultures through a variety of events and activities.
The Queneesh Indigenous Community Society is seeking sponsorship to help make this three-day event a hugely enjoyable and transformative experience for our First Nation, Inuit and Métis 50+ years young attendees who will be coming together on the Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Thank you for supporting this impactful event and the gifts your contribution to this conference will bring to our Elders and communities throughout British Columbia and western Canada.
Feel free to contact us using the contact form below or email queneeshsociety@gmail.com for details on how to get involved.
The 2025 West Coast Indigenous Elders Conference will bring together our Elders to share, learn, create and celebrate our rich diversity of Indigenous cultures through a variety of events and activities.
The Queneesh Indigenous Community Society is seeking sponsorship to help make this three-day event a hugely enjoyable and transformative experience for our First Nation, Inuit and Métis 50+ years young attendees who will be coming together on the Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation.
Thank you for supporting this impactful event and the gifts your contribution to this conference will bring to our Elders and communities throughout British Columbia and western Canada.
Feel free to contact us using the contact form below or email queneeshsociety@gmail.com for details on how to get involved.
Directions / Gaya'nakwala
2025 West Coast Indigenous Elders' Conference, May 27-29, 2025
399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay
399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay
You can zoom in on the map above using the plus and minus keys on the bottom right.
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tuwa akʷs χoχoɬ ʔa xʷ yiχmɛtɛt (ʔa) kʷʊms hɛhaw tʊms gɩǰɛ / "Care takers of the 'Land of Plenty' since Time Immemorial" ʔay̓aǰuθəm (eye-uhh-juu-eth-em Island Comox)