The W̱SÁNEĆ Community Gathering – a three-day event held at Saanich Fairgrounds from April 16th to 18th, 2026 – was a tremendous success, bringing together hundreds of community members for days full of food, discussions, and learning.
While planning the W̱SÁNEĆ Community Gathering, W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (“W̱LC”) set out to create a welcoming space where W̱SÁNEĆ people could learn about and discuss the many important topics impacting W̱SÁNEĆ, provide feedback, and enjoy social time together. What resulted was all of that and so much more; an estimated 400 attendees walked through the doors, creating a packed 3 days, full of engaged conversations and connection.
The first day of the Gathering, Thursday, featured four engaging presentations on topics ranging from the W̱JOȽEȽP Loss of Use Study to the Respect for All Relations project. Attendees participated enthusiastically, sharing thoughts and feedback that will help shape W̱SÁNEĆ’s future. Many attendees enjoyed the Respect for All Relations presentation, where Elders, youth, and Knowledge Holders offered stories, reflections, and dialogue inviting participants to explore W̱SÁNEĆ’s relationships with SȽEMEW̱ (water), ṮELEṮEĆES (islands), animals (i.e. SMÍEŦ (deer)), and other more-than-human relatives.
Afterwards, day-one guests enjoyed a delicious, shared dinner followed by a Youth Jam. The Youth Jam was well attended – bringing in 200 guests – and high-energy, creating a memorable experience for all.
Friday included presentations on topics relevant to W̱SÁNEĆ. Of particular note was the presentation on Cowichan Tribes v. Canada by Eamon Murphy & Stephanie Axmann of Woodward & Company LLP. During the presentation, attendees eagerly engaged as Murphy and Axmann explored what the Cowichan Tribes success story tells us about what’s possible when communities work together, and what that means for W̱SÁNEĆ.
Many community members headed back to Saanich Fairgrounds Saturday morning for the third and final day of the Gathering. Saturday began with more learning opportunities, including a well-attended presentation about the Cordova Bay Fish Wall, QENT IPCA, and SȾÁUTW̱ Marine Law by special guest Mavis Underwood.
After several presentations and more shared meals, the entire gathering culminated with a special performance by renowned Cree comedian Howie Miller.
W̱LC is grateful for the feedback shared and the opportunity to learn in community. The report that has been drafted has been shared with your Chiefs. Over the next year we will work together in a number of areas, including creating a foundation for working together into the future and creating more opportunities for our communities to come together to discuss important topics.
Such a success would not have been possible without the support of the W̱SÁNEĆ Chief and Councils, help of the many vendors, supporters, presenters, entertainers, W̱LC staff, and others who lent their valuable time and expertise to this initiative, nor without the enthusiastic participation of the hundreds of community members who attended. To each and every participant, W̱LC extends thanks.
To receive a copy of the report email joni.olsen@wsanec.com or find it on our Community only portal (link) – and to stay up to date on future opportunities to gather in community – be sure to sign up for W̱LC’s newsletter.