2026 Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering
Saturday, November 7, 2026
9am to 4pm
at University of Victoria
We are excited to announce that the 18th annual Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering will be taking place on November 7, 2026 on Lək̓ʷəŋən Territory at the University of Victoria! We invite you to join us as we come together to learn, share, and build community.
The Garry Oak Ecosystems Gathering aims to bring together First Nations, researchers, practitioners, governments, community members, and students who are actively involved or interested in restoring prairie oak and associated ecosystems.
Our desire is to nurture a space in which communities can come together and learn from each other, with a focus on platforming Indigenous voices, ways of knowing, and protocols.
The day will weave together important teachings alongside time for questions, discussion, and refection.
We are honoured for Scott Sam of W̱JOȽEȽP Nation to lead the day in protocol and songs. Over the day, there will be presentations on a range of topics from distinguished speakers including:
- Beangka Elliott (W̱SÁNEĆ Nation) – Knowledge Keeper
- Bobbi-Jo Basarab (Hwlitsun Hul’quim’num) and Adam Huggins — Galiano Conservancy Q’úyél q’úwen (Restoring the Balance) Project
- Kate McIntyre, Jiaju Wu, and Ryan Senechal (GOMPS, UBC) — Remote Sensing: a collaboration to accurately locate and measure Garry Oak trees in Saanich and Victoria
- Kristen Miskelly (Satinflower Nurseries) — Regional seed supplies for prairie oak ecosystems
- Nancy Shackelford and Darcy Matthews (University of Victoria) — The importance of integrating archaeology and heritage into restoration thinking
The program will include breaks throughout the day with ample time to enjoy refreshments and connect with other participants. The price of admission includes a delicious premium boxed lunch catered by Songhees Events and Catering.
Self-identified Indigenous attendees are eligible for complimentary registration. We also have a modest fund to help reduce financial barriers and support Indigenous participation in the Gathering.
Individuals who register as Indigenous attendees will be contacted directly by email to discuss whether financial assistance would help make attendance possible. Please note that support funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Throughout the weekend there will be opportunities to gather on the land and learn about restoration projects from local land stewards, as well as more chances to socialize and connect as a community. More details on these activities will be shared in the coming weeks.
Register to attend on EventBrite.
This year’s gathering has been made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:
- Castilleja Conservation Society
- The Capital Regional District
- The District of Saanich
- The District of Oak Bay
- Donations in memory of Dave Polster
- Friends of Uplands Park
- Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia
- Satinflower Nurseries
- Streamside Native Plants
- Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
- University of Victoria