January 29/30, 2027 — Bowen Park Complex, Nanaimo
We are excited to host Nanaimo Climate Connections 2027 (NCC27) — Nanaimo Climate Action Hub’s second free community climate summit!
This year’s theme, Resilience in Action, celebrates the collective capacities that make resilience possible — connecting knowledge, skills and creativity with compassion, hope and love of community — to shape a more adaptive and thriving future for Nanaimo and the RDN.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Suzuki
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. David Suzuki will be our opening keynote speaker at Nanaimo Climate Connections 2027!
Scientist, former host of CBC’s The Nature of Things, author of more than 55 books, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, David Suzuki has spent his life communicating about humanity’s collective impact on the natural world – an impact that now threatens our future.
Dr. Suzuki’s Stronger Together tour in Ontario earlier this year built on the idea of developing community resilience, the theme of NCC27.
We look forward to hearing what this eminent environmentalist has to say, as he helps us kick off what is shaping up to be a great event!
Plenary Speakers & Special Guests
Janna Wale
Janna is a Gitxsan (Gitanmaax First Nation) & Cree-Métis climate research leader, policy advisor, and speaker advancing Indigenous-led approaches to climate action.
Janna will deliver the NCC27 mid-day Saturday keynote.
Dr. Jiaying (JZ) Zhao
JZ is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Institute for Resources, and co-author of Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species.
JZ will be NCC27’s closing keynote speaker on Saturday.
Luke Wallace
A Vancouver-born songwriter & performer who got his start in frontline activism, Luke’s commitment to justice and the earth permeates everything he does.
Luke will engage the community in song on Friday evening.
Elder Lolly Good
Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder Lolly Good is a revered community leader, who plays a vital role in preserving cultural traditions and guiding regional reconciliation initiatives.
Elder Lolly will open the NCC27 space on Saturday morning.
Watch this space for upcoming breakout session speaker announcements!
Who should attend?
While NCC27 is a FREE community-building event, with a focus on local climate action and resilience, any visitors to Mid-Island who wish to attend are welcome!
NCC27 is designed for any age ranging from high school students to the most senior members of our community.
Registration is REQUIRED and will open on November 27th.
NCC27 Schedule-at-a-Glance
Friday, January 29th
5:30 pm: Badge pick-up, refreshments, Community Climate Fair
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Community Gathering & Performance by Activist-Musician Luke Wallace!
Saturday, January 30th
8:00 am: Badge pick-up,Community Climate Fair open, coffee/tea
9:00 am: Morning program begins (promptly) — keynote speakers, scheduled breaks/lunch, afternoon sessions*, awards, closing reception.
6:00 pm: NCC27 Adjourns!
Opportunities to get involved with Nanaimo Climate Connections 2027!
We need your help! One of the things that made NCC25 so successful was the commitment of dozens of volunteers. Regardless of your skills or available time, we have a job for you. We have lots of work that needs to get done both at the event itself, in the weeks leading up to NCC27.
We are excited to once again host the very popular Community Climate Fair! Space is limited, so sign up your organization today. One change for NCC27 is the addition of Community Stand-ups, 5-minute Ted-style talks on how your organization contributes to community resilience.
We are so grateful to our major sponsors who have enabled us to hold NCC27. To make our event even better and keep it FREE to all attendees we welcome contributions in the form of sponsorships and gifts-in-kind donations. Thank you!
Do you know someone in the Nanaimo area who has gone above and beyond in working for climate action, or a non-profit group that has done the same? Consider nominating them for NCAH’s Climate Action Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to climate action by individuals and organizations.
Thank you to our major sponsors!
About the venue
Bowen Park Complex is located in Bowen Park, a beautiful 36-hectare municipal park located in the heart of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Donated by the Western Fuel Company in 1918 and registered in 1931, the park blends dense urban forest with active community recreation spaces along the Millstone River.
Bowen Park seamlessly balances a rugged, undeveloped river wilderness with top-tier recreational and community amenities. The complex is well-appointed and accessible, and is an ideal venue for an event like Nanaimo Climate Connections 2027. Surrounded by luscious woodland, attendees will likely want to step out from time to time to commune with the trees!
There is ample parking, but the venue is easy to get to via public transportation. Zoom in on the interactive map below to get a feel for its location.
