Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct

Formerly known as Joint Gathering, Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct is an important step forward in the ongoing dialogue between First Nations in BC, the BC First Nations Leadership Council, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). The event is part of Canada's commitment to joint discussion and action on issues of common interest to BC First Nations.

Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct is co-hosted by ISC BC region, CIRNAC BC and the BC First Nations Leadership Council, which is made up of the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. It is designed to facilitate collaboration and learning between First Nation communities and organizations and government officials.

In 2020 the event name was changed to Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct, to reflect the partnership ISC and CIRNAC have with the First Nations Leadership Council and honour the relationships between the partners and their traditional territories.

The meaning of kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct

Kexwkexwntsút chet and tə sq̓əq̓ip ct mean "our gathering" in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and hən̓q̓əm̓inəm̓, respectively. These are the languages spoken by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people who share the traditional territories where the event is held.

The graphic representation of Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct was designed by artist Yvonne Starr, and consists of a sun with eight hands reaching out.

The sun represents the circle of life, strength, energy and warmth, while the hands represent the people who gather together to discuss emerging issues, build relationships, promote partnership and foster leadership. When all aspects are combined, it represents the spirit of Our Gathering, kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct.