Williams Lake will be hosting the British Columbia Historical Federation’s (BCHF) conference this year from May 1 to 4.
The annual conference brings together history enthusiasts, academics, knowledge keepers and heritage practitioners from across the province to explore stories, research and initiatives pertaining to B.C.’s histories and heritage.
This year’s conference is centred around the theme of truth and reconciliation and will host several presentations, conversations, a workshop and a field trip.
Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society, will be the event’s keynote speaker, and representatives of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will discuss the importance of returning museum artifacts belonging to Indigenous communities to their home.
The BCHF’s annual general meeting will be held at 2:15 p.m. on the second of May and is open to the public, free of charge.
The conference will wrap up the evening of May 3 with an awards banquet at Chances Signal Point, where guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, and awards will be given to those working in the public history sector. The 2025 Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Historical Writing recipient will also be announced.
The Oscar-nominated film Sugarcane will also be screened during the conference on May 4 at 10 a.m.
There will be some organizations and individuals on site to sell or promote their books or history-related products or services. Vendors can reserve a table when registering for the event.
The BCHF represents member organizations and individuals in the provincial not-for-profit historical and heritage sector. It publishes a magazine on the province's history, supports small history projects in B.C. and delivers recognition programs.
The conference is organized in partnership with the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin and the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame Society and is sponsored by Johnson Belair Direct Insurance and supported through community grants from the city of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District.
Learn more about the conference and register to attend here. Registration includes all presentations, evening events and the field trip.
The pre-conference workshop has limited space and those wanting to attend should reach out at the following address: conference@bchistory.ca.
