The 14th Annual National Indigenous Physical Activity & Wellness (NIPAW) Hybrid Conference 2027 Update

Conference Overview

The National Indigenous Physical Activity & Wellness (NIPAW) Conference is Canada’s largest gathering focused on sport, recreation, fitness, and traditional Indigenous physical activity for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Hosted by the Indigenous Physical Activity & Cultural Circle, the conference brings together Indigenous leaders, athletes, knowledge keepers, researchers, and community champions from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and advance wholistic health and wellness.

Building on the success of previous conferences, future NIPAW gatherings will place an increased emphasis on traditional Indigenous activities, hands-on movement experiences, land-based learning, and physically active sessions that encourage participant engagement and wellness through movement. Rather than simply talking about physical activity, attendees will have opportunities to experience it through interactive workshops, traditional games, cultural activities, sport demonstrations, and community-led movement sessions.

The conference is proposed to be hosted at UBC’s newly opened Gateway Health Building, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for health, kinesiology, teaching, research, and student wellness. Opened in 2026, the Gateway Health Building brings together UBC’s School of Kinesiology, School of Nursing, and integrated health services, making it an ideal venue for advancing Indigenous approaches to physical activity, wellness, and community health.

NIPAW continues to create a national platform where Indigenous communities can celebrate culture, share successful practices, inspire future leaders, and strengthen pathways to active, healthy, and thriving communities.