Human Rights and Equity Conference 2026

BCNU's 2026 human rights and equity conference takes place on Dec. 10 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Semiahmoo, Stó:lō, and Tsawwassen Nations.

This year’s conference, Disability Justice – Weaving Collective Liberation, brings together disability justice activists, scholars, and artists, alongside BCNU members, to challenge ableism and discrimination and collectively imagine a safer, more accessible health-care system. Taking up disability justice work strengthens union solidarity – inviting all of us to consider accessibility as our shared political and workplace responsibility.

Applications open in October. Check back for more information and to apply.

Speakers

Katherine Achacoso is a queer daughter of the Filipinx and Surigaonon diaspora and an assistant professor in the Department of Gender Studies at the University of Victoria. She teaches Asian North American feminisms, global Indigenous politics and disability justice. Katherine is also a member of Hui Hawaiʻi Disabilities Justice, a collective of Pacific Islander and Filipinx educators working toward disability justice and radical care through decolonial movements.

Dr. Charles Anyinam is a registered nurse, educator and associate dean (interim) of the School of Nursing at Nipissing University, where he is also an associate professor. With more than 20 years of experience, his research focuses on work and disability, including barriers to employment and practices that support inclusion. His recent project synthesized evidence from more than 90 Canadian sources into practical guidance for employers on recruitment, accommodation and inclusive workplace culture.

Symbia Barnaby is an Indigenous woman of Haida and Mi’kmaq belonging and descent. Her traditional feasted Haida name is Guu Gaa Jung. She is a single mother of five children, five 5 of whom have neurodevelopmental support needs. Symbia is a fierce community inclusion advocate and community researcher, as well as a storyteller, filmmaker, and Wisdom Translator. 

She also volunteers with several community-based organizations focused on supporting the healing of generational and systemic trauma. She has developed and run workshops on decolonization, anti-racism, health equity, inclusive education, disability and intersectionality.

Jillian Christmas is an artist, creative facilitator, curator, consultant and advocate in the arts community. She is the long-time spoken word curator of the Vancouver Writers Fest and former artistic director of Verses Festival of Words. Using an anti-oppressive lens, Jillian has performed and facilitated workshops across North America and beyond. She is the author of The Gospel of Breaking and the children’s book The Magic Shell. In 2023, she became the inaugural poet-in-residence at the Vancouver Art Gallery. She is currently curatorial director at Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture.

Heather McCain (they/them) is founder and executive director of Live Educate Transform Society (LET’S), advancing disability justice through lived expertise. With more than 20 years of experience, they support organizations in building accessible, neuro-affirming and trauma-engaged practices. Heather is known for translating complex concepts into practical strategies and advancing sustainable change rooted in accessibility and collective responsibility.

Vikki Reynolds (PhD, RCC) is an activist, therapist and community organizer who bridges social justice activism, community work and therapy. A white settler on the territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam Nations, she has extensive experience supporting people affected by the drug poisoning crisis, refugees and survivors of torture, counsellors, housing and shelter workers, activists, and gender- and sexually diverse communities. She has taught internationally as an adjunct professor and has written and presented worldwide.