Cultural Gathering of Nations returns for 2026

The Cultural Gathering of Nations will take place at Dawson Creek’s Ovintiv Events Centre from September 17–20, 2026, with a new organizing team and more B.C. Treaty 8 First Nations involved, and planned events including hand games, a pow wow, tea dance and an artisan marketplace.

The Cultural Gathering of Nations will return to Dawson Creek in the fall of 2026. Organizers have scheduled the event at the Ovintiv Events Centre from Thursday, September 17 until Sunday, September 20. Daniel Desjarlais, event coordinator and a representative of West Moberly First Nations, said a new organizing team and more northeast B.C. Treaty 8 First Nations will take part in planning. Some program details are still being finalized. Known details: - The event runs September 17–20, 2026, at the Ovintiv Events Centre in Dawson Creek. - Daniel Desjarlais is the event coordinator and said additional Treaty 8 nations will be involved in 2026. - Returning program elements include hand games, the pow wow, a tea dance, an artisan marketplace and vendor areas, with each nation represented in cultural camp and demonstrations. - Organizers have initial plans to add a kid zone and say they will improve the culture area for better flow. - The gathering is announced as alcohol- and drug-free and free to drop in; the hand games and pow wow portions will require registration with details to be released. - Sponsorship packages have been finalized and are to be distributed starting next week. Summary: The 2026 Gathering builds on last year’s program while broadening participation among Treaty 8 nations and introducing a new organizing team. Organizers report they are refining the culture area and will release registration details for specific activities soon. Sponsorship distribution is expected next week, and other logistical details remain under development.