Conference 2025 – Schedule
Conference Schedule
Full details about the conference schedule will be shared soon.
**Please note that the sessions, presenters and times below are subject to change**
The conference will be hosted in heritage buildings. If you have mobility concerns, please review the information on accessibility.
Wednesday May 21
| 18:00 – 20:00 | Opening Evening hosted by Kamloops Museum and Archives | Sponsored by City of Kamloops |
| Please join us for a pre-conference Meet & Greet event at the Kamloops Museum and Archives. You can expect an engaged gathering with lively conversation and opportunities to connect with delegates from across the province of British Columbia. We will be fortunate to have folks from the local arts, the culture sector, and champions of heritage joining us. This welcome and coming together will feature live music, activities, games, and light food and refreshments. |
Thursday, May 22
The day’s sessions and events will be taking place in or around the Kamloops Museum and Archives.
| 7:00 – 8:00 |
Early Bird Walking Tour: Downtown Heritage Corridor | Sponsored by Equitable Real Estate |
| Join the Kamloops Museum and Archives and the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park as we learn more about the people and buildings that are cornerstones to the Kamloops community. Participants will learn about the once thriving Cuban cigar factory, the first mayor of Chinese descent in North America, and visit the oldest public building in Kamloops on this early morning walking tour of the downtown heritage corridor. | |
View PresentersMeghan Stewart, Kamloops Museum and Archives |
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8:30 – 9:00 |
Light Breakfast with Coffee & Registration Desk Open | Sponsored by Equitable Real Estate |
9:00 – 10:00 |
Opening Remarks |
10:30 – 12:00 |
Concurrent Sessions |
Working With Community to Reclaim Narratives Through Film |
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| This session will explore the power of film in reclaiming untold narratives and the importance of collaborating with community to unearth and tell these stories. Presenters Jack Gin and Shay Paul will share how they are using film as a tool for cultural preservation and collective memory and are creating impactful projects that celebrate resilience and leadership within marginalized communities. | |
View PresentersJack Gin, Ginsight Films |
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| Building relationships through mentorship and knowledge sharing is a core principle in the development of personal growth and in the growth of our peers, colleagues, and community. In this session you will engage in learning about mentorship and how these rooted experiences can have a positive influence but also be an important pathway of much needed change within the Heritage, Arts, and Cultural sector. Through break out tables you will make connections, share your knowledge as a mentor or mentee, and brainstorm and problem solve solutions together. Our goal is to further understand how our collective findings can impact you and your organization. | |
View PresentersJulia Cyr, Kamloops Museum and Archives |
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12:00 – 13:00 |
Lunch | Sponsored by British Columbia Association of Heritage Professionals |
13:00 – 14:30 |
Concurrent Field Trips & Special Event |
Restoration Tour/Workshop of St. Andrews on the Square |
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| St. Andrew’s Church, the oldest public building in Kamloops, has risen from the ashes twice, symbolizing resilience as a cornerstone of both heritage and community. In this field trip session, historian Andrew Yarmie and lifelong volunteer Melody Formanski will discuss the church’s rich history, highlighting the individuals, organizations, and municipal efforts behind its restoration. Dusan Magdolen, Cultural Services & Events Manager for the City of Kamloops, will offer insights into the insurance claim process and the City’s practice of bringing various interest holders into the conversation for the rebuild. After the one-hour presentation at the Kamloops Museum and Archives, a brief site visit to St. Andrew’s on the Square will showcase its architectural features, representing the late Victorian Gothic Revival style. | |
View PresentersAndrew Yarmie, Kamloops Heritage Engagement Group; Thompson Rivers University |
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| ALL ABOARD the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society (KHRS) and the venerable #2141 steam locomotive! The #2141 steam locomotive was built in 1912 for the Canadian Northern Railway, now the Canadian National or better known as CN Rail. Today, the only surviving locomotive of a group of 25 built has been a cherished piece of the Kamloops community since 1961. A new KHRS Board of Directors was recently formed who are committed to reviving the #2141 and creating a world-class experience for generations to enjoy. In collaboration with the City of Kamloops and CN Rail, Kamloops Heritage Railway Society has begun the process of restoring and reactivating the one-of-a-kind train. We invite you to join our passionate Leader of Railway Development, Jordan Popadynetz, for an informative tour of our maintenance facility and to witness #2141 being prepared for her triumphant return to steam operations. So climb aboard and let’s Time Travel Together! | |
View PresentersJordan Popadynetz, Kamloops Railway Heritage Society (2141) |
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| Please join us in the dedication and unveiling ceremony of the Memorial To Sir Wilfrid Laurier on May 22, 2025, 1:00pm, at 100 Victoria Street West. On August 25, 1910, a delegation of Chiefs representing the Secwépemc, Sylix, and Nlaka’pamux Nations met with Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier in Kamloops and presented him with a powerful memorial document outlining the history of grievances. These grievances centred on the loss of their homelands and livelihood, asking the Canadian government to do justice by them and settle their land questions. We will gather to hear voices, share in knowledge and stories, and understand this significant history together as the plaque is unveiled in ceremony together. | |
View PresentersCity of Kamloops |
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15:00 – 16:30 |
Concurrent Sessions |
Building Community into Process |
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| This conference session will highlight how community involvement enriches and strengthens cultural preservation and can offer valuable lessons for those immersed in collaborative projects. Representatives from the Kamloops Museum and Archives, the Kamloops Chinese Association, the Secwépemc Landmarks Project and Kamloops Pride will share experiences and effective strategies for how integrating community input into museum and heritage processes can create more inclusive, sustainable projects. Roundtable breakout discussions will allow participants to engage in the specific topic around the barriers and challenges with building community into process. | |
View PresentersJoe Leong, Kamloops Chinese Association |
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| On August 25, 1910, a delegation of Chiefs representing the Secwépemc, Sylix, and Nlaka’pamux Nations met with Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier in Kamloops and presented him with a powerful memorial document outlining the history of grievances. These grievances centred on the loss of their homelands and livelihood, asking the Canadian government to do justice by them and settle their land questions. In this session you will learn about the history of the Memorial and the collaborative effort to bring awareness and understanding of this event and its significance to the Kamloops community. |
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View PresentersSarah Candido, City of Kamloops |
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17:00 – 21:00 |
Evening Social hosted by the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park |
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Join us at the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park for a meaningful evening of connection, cultural sharing, and storytelling, set against the backdrop of one of Kamloops’ most significant heritage sites. Catch up with friends and colleagues from across the province, while you enjoy a catered meal by Cooler Trailers Kamloops. Note: This event will be held outdoors. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. Shuttle bus service departs the Double Tree Hotel at 5:00 and 5:30 PM; returns at 8:30 and 9:00 PM. Parking is available at Arbour – Kamloops Powwow Grounds. |
Friday, May 23
The day’s sessions and events will be taking place in or around the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park.
8:30 – 9:00 |
Light Breakfast with Coffee |
9:00 – 9:10 |
Opening Prayer |
9:10 – 10:10 |
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| The revitalization of Indigenous languages is not only an effort to preserve identities, cultures and nationhood, but also a commitment to protecting the traditional scientific knowledge and worldviews inherent to Indigenous Peoples. It is now more important than ever to work together to revitalize Indigenous languages that are integral to understanding the full and true history we have inherited. Commissioner Ignace’s keynote will underscore the significance and value of Indigenous traditional knowledges, which are inextricably linked to Indigenous languages. The keynote will also highlight the road to the passing of the Indigenous Languages Act, as well as the mandate, role and activities of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. | |
View PresentersRonald E. Ignace, Commissioner of Indigenous Languages |
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10:30 – 12:00 |
Concurrent Field Trip & Session |
Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park |
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| The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park has been closed for over 5 years due to COVID-19 and the announcement of the Le Estcwicwéy̓. During this time, the museum was not idle but undergoing a series of major renovations to offer visitors new exhibits teaching and exploring Secwépemc history, culture, and language. You will not only experience the tour, but also the ideas behind the exhibits and the not always easy process of getting everything ready to reopen. | |
View PresentersLachlan Gonzales, Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park |
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| Since 2024, the St’uxwtews Pesuten Heritage Society, led by Bonaparte First Nation, has managed Historic Hat Creek Ranch and McAbee Fossil Beds on behalf of the Province of B.C. Heritage Branch. This partnership reflects reconciliation in action—honoring the past while shaping a future through collaboration. Together, we recognize historical wrongs, foster meaningful relationships, and create an Indigenous tourism destination that strengthens regional economies and cultural understanding. This presentation will highlight how cooperation between the Nations, the Province, and local communities is key to preserving history, supporting economic growth, and ensuring these heritage sites thrive for future generations. | |
View PresentersHeritage Branch |
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12:00 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
13:00 – 16:00 |
Concurrent Sessions & Field Trips |
| Note: Field trips are offered twice during this time block. Attendees can choose both field trips, or one session and one field trip. | |
Weaving Ways of Knowing in Heritage Conservation |
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| This session illustrates how the UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action can be implemented when multiple ways of knowing are weaved together in a respectful space. Join speakers from Tk̓emlúps te Secwepemc, the City of Kamloops and the Ministry of Forests as they share their experiences, successes and challenges of collaboration with respect to developing heritage conservation strategies that weave Indigenous Knowledge and Western science. This panel will present examples of how they continue to strengthen their relationships through meaningful engagement that respects multiple knowledge systems. | |
View PresentersLeslie LeBourdais, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc |
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| Connect with fellow sector professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to start a conversation with someone new or prefer to join one of our interactive activities as an icebreaker, this session offers the perfect opportunity to expand your network. | |
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| During temporary closure, the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park continued to host numerous educational tours of the former “Kamloops Indian Residential School” to many businesses, visitors, schools from all districts, and Thompson Rivers University. The former school is in walking distance outside the museum doors, and tours are 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The building has four storeys and requires appropriate footwear due to the many stairs; it’s not recommended if mobility is a concern. | |
View PresentersJackie Jules, Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park |
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| The Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park has been closed for over 5 years due to COVID-19 and the announcement of the Le Estcwicwéy̓. During this time, the museum was not idle but undergoing a series of major renovations to offer visitors new exhibits teaching and exploring Secwépemc history, culture, and language. You will not only experience the tour, but also the ideas behind the exhibits and the not always easy process of getting everything ready to reopen. | |
View PresentersLachlan Gonzales, Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park |
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16:00 – 17:00 |
Closing Forum |
| Join us for the powerful closing session with Jeanette Jules, Manager of Investigations for Le Estcwicwéy̓ (“the Missing”), and a former council member during the announcement of the unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Jeanette offers a vital perspective on healing, memory, and community resilience, and brings deep knowledge, lived experience, and leadership to the work of truth and justice. |