Our Gathering
kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct
Background
Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct is an annual event that brings together First Nation leaders and federal representatives in British Columbia to advance shared priorities and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships. Formerly known as the Joint Gathering, it was renamed in 2020 to honour the partnerships and traditional territories that host the event.
The event acts as a vital forum for advancing shared priorities, strengthening nation-to-nation relationships, and fostering transparent, collaborative dialogue on reconciliation and self-determination.
Grounded in Partnership and Place
Since its inception, the event has been held on the unceded, traditional, ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xÊ·məθkÊ·É™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam), and sÉ™lÌ“ÃlwÉ™taʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The event is organized in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council, which is comprised of the First Nations Summit, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, together with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).
2026 Event
The 12th annual Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tÉ™ sqÌ“É™qÌ“ip ct, will be held on the unceded, traditional, ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xÊ·məθkÊ·É™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam), and sÉ™lÌ“ÃlwÉ™taʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations at the Vancouver Westin Bayshore on February 18 to 20, 2026.
The three-day event will welcome delegates from 202 First Nations in BC to participate, either in-person or virtually, in a series of plenary and breakout sessions on a wide range of topics. It is designed to facilitate collaboration, learning and dialogue between First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations and government officials on a variety of subjects such as the United Nations Declaration Act, Housing, Emergency Management, and Child and Family Services.
The event is co-hosted with the First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs.
Past Events
Since it’s inception in 2012, Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct has been a driving force in bringing together First Nation leadership and federal representatives to enact change. Read more about our past events:
This year marked the 11th gathering, with 1,010 participants attending the three-day event, including 220 virtual attendees. Among the participants were First Nations Chiefs, Councillors, administrators, Elders and youth representing 140 First Nation communities, 11 Tribal Councils, delegates from various Indigenous organizations, other government departments, and members from the FNLC.
The event was planned with event management support from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council and took place April 22-24, 2024, at the J.W. Marriott Parq Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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This year marked the 11th gathering, with 1,010 participants attending the three-day event, including 220 virtual attendees. Among the participants were First Nations Chiefs, Councillors, administrators, Elders and youth representing 140 First Nation communities, 11 Tribal Councils, delegates from various Indigenous organizations, other government departments, and members from the FNLC.
The event was planned with event management support from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council and took place April 22-24, 2024, at the J.W. Marriott Parq Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia.
View Gallery
