Regenerative Futures Conference
Regenerative Futures Conference:
Indigenous Knowledge, Regenerative Leadership, and Sustainable Systems
hosted at Shawnigan Lake School on September 25-27, 2025.
Designed in collaboration with thought leaders from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Education, the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Sustainability Education, and Shawnigan Lake School, this three-day experience will bring together students, teachers and leaders from national and international systems of education with policymakers, leaders in business, industry, Indigenous learning and reconciliation, and climate experts.
Together, through the connected themes of the summit – Indigenous Knowledge, Regenerative Leadership, and Sustainable Systems – we will confront the systems failures that have led us to the current climate emergency and uphold Indigenous knowledge systems that can shape a pathway to a better, more peaceful and more sustainable future.
This particular summit will focus on issues that are critical to educational systems today, including sustainability, reconciliation, and regenerative leadership, while we challenge ourselves to become catalysts for sustainable, equitable change.
This will be an opportunity for delegates to:
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Embrace sustainability and systems thinking to ignite minds and kindle hearts.
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Understand strategies to create sustained impact over time in education for a better future.
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Be critical, compassionate, and courageous in evaluating education's role in the past and future for sustainability.
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Be empowered to create a positive impact in your community.
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Connect with a dynamic network of sustainability and Indigenous learning thought leaders
Keynote Speakers & Inspiration Thought Leaders
Your Invitation
We have reserved places for representatives from 25 schools. Each school is encouraged to send a delegation of 5 participants: Head of School/Principal, Head of Operations or Finance, a “champion teacher,” and two students from Grade 9 or above. However, as we recognise that we will need to be flexible in accommodating as broad and diverse a demographic as possible, please be encouraged to explore a different shape to your delegation as your context dictates.
What to Expect
Thoughtfully Designed & Curated Program: A three-day experience that has been delivered over a dozen times internationally and tailored to sustainability issues facing today’s school context. The education sector must ask itself: What role can and should it play in addressing the current polycrisis? Schools must decide whether they will mirror society’s current unsustainable practices or become agents of change through regenerative futures.
DAY 1 - Sept 25: The Challenge We Face (08:30-19:15)
DAY 2 - Sept 26: Meeting the Challenge (08:30-19:15)
DAY 3 - Sept 27: A Call to Action (08:30-15:00)
Inspiring Featured Guests: Hear from and engage with thought leaders doing the good work in regenerative leadership, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable systems locally on Vancouver Island and in global contexts.
Leadership Action Groups: Deep dive across delegations with practical sessions facilitated by SusEd & Shawnigan Lake School that will equip you with the tools to implement conference themes of regenerative leadership, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable systems in your schools and communities
Networking Opportunities: Work intersectionality alongside youth, school leaders, and business and industry to connect with like-minded individuals to share experiences, exchange ideas and build invaluable professional connections
Registration & Fees
Fees include conference activities Thurs Sept 25-Saturday Sept 27 with refreshments, snacks and lunches provided. Also included are evening meals on Thursday and Friday. Shared rooms and dorm-style accommodations at Shawnigan Lake School are available for a limited number of delegates at a reduced cost.
- Individual Delegate: $745
- School Package (3 x Adults & 2 x Students): $3,225
- 2-night shared dorm-style accommodation at Shawnigan Lake school: $170/person
Shawnigan Lake School and SusEd are committed to providing equitable access to the summit. If the cost of attending is a barrier to your participation, please contact us for options.
If you would like more information about accommodations or recommendations for other local accommodations, please contact conference organizer Emily Coolidge at ecoolidge@shawnigan.ca.
To register your conference delegation and reserve your spot, please register through the button below.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
