4 PM – 8 PM | Symposium & Exhibition Opening

Celebrate the launch of the 2025 Canadian Crafts Federation Symposium and the opening of the Coast to Coast to Coast exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery with an inspiring evening that sets the tone for four days of collaboration, learning, and creativity.

9 AM – 10 AM | Keynote Speaker | Don Kwan

A third-generation Chinese Canadian artist, Don Kwan explores cultural identity, memory, and the complexities of belonging through craft and contemporary art.

10:30 AM – 12 PM | Cross-Country Tour

Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and Affiliates

Members In this series of rapid-fire presentations, Executive Directors and Board Members from Craft Councils across Canada will share updates and success stories from their organizations. Topics include new initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovations in craft.

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch (on your own)

Take this opportunity to explore Ottawa’s local restaurants and enjoy a meal with colleagues.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | [Title to be confirmed] Craft Advocacy in Action

PAA Advisory Counsils

Drawing on decades of experience with public policy makers, business, media, and stakeholders, PAA has helped shape public policy and understand the factors that drive change toward positive outcomes. Craft is a powerful tool for cultural preservation, economic development, and social change. This session, presented by PAA, will explore how advocacy can strengthen the craft sector through championing craft at the national level and engaging the public. This panel will provide practical strategies for amplifying the voice of craft in Canada.

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Craft n Talk | Institutional Knowledge

Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director (CCF/FCMA)

How do we ensure that leadership transitions in craft organizations are smooth and that valuable institutional knowledge isn’t lost? Join this facilitated discussion to explore strategies for retaining and passing on organizational expertise. Take part in a hands-on creative session using [to be confirmed] as a way to represent your unique contributions to leadership and craft knowledge.

9 AM – 10 AM | Keynote Speaker | Nico Williams

Nico Williams is an award-winning master beadworker with an innovative approach to traditional craft, exploring themes of identity, culture, and community.

10:30 AM | Cultural Appropriation in Craft

Panel Discussion

Craft is deeply rooted in cultural identity, heritage, and storytelling. But where is the line between inspiration, appreciation, and appropriation? This panel will explore the complexities of Indigenous cultural appropriation in craft, highlighting the responsibilities of artists, organizations, and institutions to ensure ethical and respectful creative practices.

Moderated by Don Kwan. Panel: Nancy Oakley, Dawn Saunders Dahl, Heather Steinhagen

12 PM – 1 PM | Lunch (On your own)

Explore Ottawa’s vibrant food scene and connect with fellow attendees over lunch.

1:30 PM | CCF/FCMA Project Updates

Jennifer Wicks, Executive Director, CCF/FCMA

This session will highlight the latest initiatives and achievements led by the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF/FCMA), including updates on national advocacy efforts, collaborative projects, and future plans.

2 PM – 2:30 PM | Coast to Coast to Coast Talk and Tour

Join us for a brief talk on the Coast to Coast to Coast Exhibition, highlighting the inspiration, diversity, and innovation of Canadian craft. Following the talk, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition.

3 PM – 4:30 PM | Robert Jekyll Award Ceremony

Celebrate excellence and leadership in Canadian craft at the Robert Jekyll Award Ceremony, honouring this year’s laureate for their exceptional leadership and impact. This is a chance to celebrate craft leaders and trailblazers, reflect on the legacy of Robert Jekyll’s leadership, and unite the community in recognizing those shaping the future of craft in Canada.

10 AM | Break out into Peer-to-Peer

Connect, collaborate, and share experiences in these small-group discussions designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the craft sector. Prior to the symposium, we’ll survey members to identify the topics that matter most to you, ensuring meaningful and focused conversations.

Peer groups include:
✔️ Board of Directors: Leadership insights and strategic planning.
✔️ Executive Directors: Organizational sustainability, advocacy, and navigating challenges.
✔️ Staff (Retail, Communications, etc.): Practical strategies for daily operations and team-building.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Early Lunch (Provided)

12:30 PM | Digital Strategies Update

Nordicity

Nordicity This digital space will host national-wide training modules, house craft-specific training courses, resources/knowledge repositories, templates, an expert directory, and an operational process to better connect craft organizations. Nordicity will provide a preview of the LMS platform featuring a portion of the Board Leadership course as sample content. Additionally, a members-only workshop will be held to gather feedback on training priorities and course topics. This feedback will be used to refine content and inform the development of future training programs.

3 PM Day Ends

Optional Tour [TBD] National Gallery: Woven Histories