Engage in inspirational and educational conversations this weekend!
For those hoping to engage in collaboration, creativity and curiosity over a diverse array of topics, the 9th annual CREAN’s conference happening in Victoria is for you.
Over the course of this weekend, the Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network’s (CREAN) 9th annual Cracks in the Concrete conference will take us deep into the theme titled, “A Celebration of Community Wellness”—delving into subjects such as surviving addiction and violence against Indigenous communities.
The conference will kick off on Friday, March 22nd with a cocktail and trivia event, and will run through until Sunday, March 24th with a number of workshops, thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities.
When asked what sparked inspiration for this year’s theme, a representative from CREAN commented on it being a tough few years for everyone.
“The conference theme is inspired by our desire for good health and a connected community. We have a variety of lighthearted events that makes this conference fun, informative, and responsive to community needs,” they told Victoria Buzz.
A special lineup of speakers will be featured—all individuals with lived experiences and expertise in various fields.
“Each session promises to inspire and empower attendees to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”
Additionally, they hope to spark interest in under-researched areas, strengthen research and education networks and foster inclusive dialogue within our communities.
Saturday’s events will highlight the confrontation of addiction and the fentanyl epidemic and will include speakers Souie Gorup, who lost her daughter in April 2022 to toxic drug poisoning, and Dustin Leavitt, who spent twelve years in federal institutions and has lived experience on the street.
The keynote speaker for Saturday is world-renowned Cree writer Michelle Good, a long-time advocate for survivors of residential schools and the author of bestselling novel Five Little Indians—which has won a number of prestigious awards and been a finalist for others.
The conversation will take place on Saturday, March 23rd at 6 p.m. in the Vic Theatre and will explore her writing, her work surrounding residential schools and other colonial violence impacting Indigenous youth and women.
Tickets for this event are around $22 and can be purchased here.
To take a look at their full list of panel discussions and speakers, as well as register for the conference, you can do so on their website.
This conference is free to attend (with the exception of some ticketed events), though donations are gratefully accepted.
CREAN: 9th annual Cracks in the Concrete conference
- Where: Location varies by event
- Kickoff cocktail evening: Gallery Merrick, 1806 Government Street
- Conversation with Michelle Good: Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
- When: Friday, March 22nd to Sunday, March 24th—times vary by event
- Kickoff cocktail evening: Friday, March 22nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Conversation with Michelle Good: Saturday, March 23rd at 6 p.m.
