Beyond Good Intentions:
Indigenous Protocols in BC Visual Arts
An Indigenous-led half-day learning event hosted by the
Indigenous Engagement & Learning Committee of CARFAC BC
Saturday, July 18, 2026
1:00–5:00 PM
Costin Hall, 7232 Lantzville Road, Lantzville, BC
Join us for an Indigenous-led half-day event for artists, curators, arts administrators, and organisations working in BC’s visual arts sector.
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Good intentions are not always enough.
In visual arts spaces, invitations, exhibitions, public programming, documentation, and compensation can still cause harm when there is not enough practical guidance, relational understanding, or attention to consent, boundaries, reciprocity, and accountability.
Beyond Good Intentions creates space for grounded learning, respectful dialogue, and practical takeaways that participants can apply in their own work.
Hosted by the Indigenous Engagement & Learning Committee of CARFAC BC, this event is designed to support more thoughtful, relationship-based practice across BC’s visual arts sector.
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Carrie Lamb — Indigenous Liaison / Moderator
Dr. George Littlechild — Artist / Speaker
Daniel R. Elliott — Artist / Speaker
Leona Flamand Gallant — Elder / Speaker
Ecko Aleck — Opening and Closing Cultural Lead
Morrie Dawson — Graphic Recorder
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This event is hosted by the Indigenous Engagement & Learning Committee of CARFAC BC.
The committee supports learning, relationship-building, and more respectful engagement with Indigenous artists, cultural knowledge, and communities in the visual arts sector.
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This half-day event includes:
opening words, drum, and song
a live panel conversation
a moderated Q&A designed to support respectful dialogue
live graphic recording of key themes and takeaways
appies and refreshments
Indigenous vendors and community connection
closing reflections
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This event is for:
visual artists
curators
arts administrators
cultural workers
galleries and arts organizations
others working in or alongside BC’s visual arts sector
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$15 per person (payable at the door).
Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
Once registered, participants will receive additional event details in advance.
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CARFAC BC is committed to making this event as accessible as possible. The registration form includes space for participants to share accessibility needs in advance.
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We are pleased to include a small Indigenous vendor area as part of this event.
A limited number of tables are available for Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses.
6 tables available
$30 per table
First come, first served
If you would like to reserve a vendor table, please let us know through the Indigenous Vendors Registration Form.
Speakers
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Carrie Lamb is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation and a passionate Indigenous talent advocate, leadership coach, and HR consultant. Carrie centers her professional practice with holistic, Indigenous worldviews to support mindset breakthroughs.
With a career in Human Resources spanning more than 17 years, she has gained extensive experience in human dynamics within an organizational environment. Her work is deeply influenced by her understandings and lived experiences as an Indigenous person.
She has previously been a volunteer Board of Directors for Vancouver Native Housing Society as well as casual volunteerism to multiple Indigenous organizations across British Columbia.
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Dr. George Littlechild is a Plains Cree artist, storyteller, educator, and cultural worker from Treaty 6 territory, born in Edmonton, Alberta. For decades, he has created vibrant, emotionally charged work that speaks from the heart to social, cultural, and political realities.
A visual storyteller, he creates art rooted in intuition, spirit, memory, and message. Through colour, energy, and narrative, his work reflects both the beauty and strength of First Nations peoples and the injustices they have endured.
Dr. Littlechild holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, an Art and Design Diploma from Red Deer College, and completed Independent Studies at the Banff Centre. He has also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of the Fraser Valley and an Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Red Deer Polytechnic.
He has exhibited extensively across Canada and internationally, and his work is held in major public collections including the Canada Council Art Bank, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Royal Alberta Museum, and the University of Victoria. He is also an award-winning author and illustrator whose practice is grounded in storytelling, truth-telling, and the ongoing work of cultural and social justice.
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Daniel R. Elliott is a visual artist, writer, healer, and Elder whose work is deeply shaped by both fine arts training and the rediscovery of his Indigenous roots. His practice is grounded in spirit, story, and truth-telling, and reflects a lifelong journey of reconnecting art, culture, and identity.
Daniel began studying fine arts in the 1970s and went on to develop his artistic practice through mentorship, lived experience, and Indigenous teachings. Alongside his work as an artist, he has spent many years supporting healing and reconnection through community work with Indigenous children, adults, and people in the justice system.
His work draws on artistic discipline, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to truth, healing, and change.
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Leona Flamand Gallant is a Métis Elder with extensive expertise in counselling, training, and community development. Trained and certified to teach Virginia Satir's family developmental model, Leona integrates this methodology into her work with families, individuals, and communities. She is known for her profound ability to foster connection, spirituality, and cultural understanding.
With decades of experience, Leona has worked extensively with Native organizations and bands across Vancouver Island and the Mainland. From 1989 to 2009, she facilitated a counselor training program addressing family violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse at the Tillicum Lelum Native Friendship Center. Her diversity and anti-racism initiatives have reached healing centers, corrections facilities, and non-profit organizations.
Her connection to Nature and a deep love for life have been guiding lights. Leona is president of the board of Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Center and continues to serve her community as an Elder.
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Ecko Aleck is a Nlaka’pamux multimedia artist, hand-poke tattoo practitioner, and the visionary founder of Sacred Matriarch Creative Studios. Born into Lytton First Nation and currently wanders frequently between BC and Yukon Territory, she walks as a carrier of ancestral medicine healing, weaving decolonized systems, creative processes, and whole human wellbeing into everything she creates.
A globally respected teacher and modern-day shapeshifter, Ecko holds sacred space for people and organizations ready to return to a natural nourishing rhythm, rooted in the earth, guided by the stars.
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Mo Dawson is an Award-winning indigenous graphic recorder based out of the unceded territory of the Lekwungen Speaking Peoples. He is Dzawada'enuxw from Ukwanalis (Kingcome Inlet, BC), and Gitxsan with roots in Gitanyow and Gitsegukla, BC.
Ever since he was a boy, Illustration and art have been his greatest passions. His experience includes working with a diverse range of public agencies, non-profit organizations, governments, and post-secondary institutions. Visual communication has been an essential part of his peoples’ way of living for generations.
With his artistic eye, indigenous values, and sharp mind, He aims to amplify the voices and bring stories to life through visual storytelling.
Register as a vendor
We are pleased to include a small Indigenous vendor area as part of this event.
A limited number of tables are available for Indigenous artists, makers, and small businesses.
6 tables available
$30 per table
First-come, first-served
If you would like to reserve a vendor table, please let us know through the registration form.
Join CARFAC BC
CARFAC BC represents visual artists throughout the province and provides tools that help artists build sustainable careers. We offer resources that include fee-payment advocacy, professional development, community engagement, and information tailored to working artists in British Columbia. As the BC affiliate of CARFAC National, we contribute to national conversations about artists’ rights while responding to the unique needs of artists and arts organisations across the province.