Regatta Events

Welcome to our Events hub—a place where culture, competition, and community converge. Explore our flagship gatherings below and join us in celebrating ancestral knowledge, holistic wellness, and friendly rivalry on the water.

International Canoe Regatta

Date & Location:
August 1–3, 2026 • Lake Okanagan, Kelowna, BC

Overview

Reviving a tradition that drew 100,000 spectators over 35 years ago, the Kelowna International Indigenous Canoe Regatta is the first event of its kind—uniting paddlers from around the globe to race, share stories, and honor freshwater stewardship.
This three-day festival features:

  • First Nations War Canoe Races
    Sixteen-person war canoes carved from cedar, paddled in synchrony to ancestral drumbeats.

  • Métis Voyageur Canoe Races
    Historic fur-trade–style canoes powered by teams of ten, celebrating Métis rowing traditions.

  • Kayak Races
    High-speed sprints in Inuit and sport kayaks, showcasing agility and strength.

  • Dragon Boat Races
    Vibrant, community-driven teams racing in ornate, long-nosed hulls for fun and fundraising.

On-Shore Activities:
Sand-castle & chainsaw carvings • Log-rolling demos • Axe-throwing • Cultural performances • Artisan market • Indigenous cuisine village • Tribute to Indigenous veterans

Health & Wellness Chefs Summit

Date & Location:
September 15–17, 2026 • Global Healing Earth Institute Campus, Kelowna, BC

Overview

A gathering of medicine keepers, culinary innovators, and holistic-health advocates, the Health & Wellness Chefs Summit explores the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science to nourish body, mind, and planet.

  • Traditional Shamans & Medicine Practitioners
    Workshops and panels on plant-based healing, ceremonial practices, and Etheric wellness.

  • Food & Plant Specialists
    Live cooking demos, foraging expeditions, and deep dives into permaculture, high-brix produce, and “food-as-medicine” research.

  • Keynote Sessions & Fireside Chats
    Insights from world-renowned healers, ethnobotanists, and regenerative-agriculture pioneers.

  • Hands-On Labs & Tastings
    Create your own medicinal tinctures, fermented foods, and nutrient-dense dishes under expert guidance.

Questions?

Contact our Events Team at events@kiicrs.org or call ☎ +1-236-457-8645. We look forward to celebrating with you!