| April 27 - May 1, 2026Monday - Friday | 11:30am - 1:00pm PSTJoin our upcoming 5-part interactive series designed for hospice leads, volunteers, healthcare providers, community partners, and policymakers. This series will equip you with practical tools to:
Secure your spot today as space is limited!Equitable access is available, find out more at the bottom of this page. |
The BC Hospice Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA) is hosting its Spring Lunch & Learn Webinar Series from April 13-17, 2026, focusing on "Voices Forward: Hospice Advocacy Strategies for Impact, Policy, Funding, and Equity."
Workshop Focus The Voices Forward Lunch and Learn series is grounded in practical learning, shared experience, and real-world tools that participants can apply immediately within hospice organizations and community settings. Each session explores a critical pillar of hospice advocacy, sustainability, and system influence, guided by knowledgeable and inspiring presenters from across the sector. Through real-life case studies, evidence-based approaches, and interactive breakout conversations, participants will deepen their understanding, strengthen confidence in their advocacy role, and build connections with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. Beyond the sessions, participants will also receive templates, reflection tools, and implementation guides designed to help translate insights into action. All sessions are designed using a LEADS-informed approach to education, supporting leadership development through collaboration, reflection, and practical application. This structure ensures learning remains interactive, relevant to real hospice contexts, and transferable to everyday practice. Why This Education Matters The hospice sector is at a pivotal moment. Across British Columbia and the Yukon, organizations are responding to growing demand, shifting health system priorities, funding uncertainty and pressures, and the urgent need to ensure equitable care for all communities. Now more than ever, the people who deliver, support, and champion hospice care deserve to be equipped with the practical skills and collective voice that match their commitment. Voices Forward was created to help hospice staff, volunteers and partners confidently communicate impact, influence decisions, and sustain community based services. Participants will leave with the ability to:
Whether you are a frontline volunteer witnessing the power of hospice care every day, a staff member working to navigate system change, a healthcare provider seeking to better support your patients or residents, or a community partner advancing access to care — this series is for you. Your voice matters, and Voices Forward will give you the tools, the language, and the community to use it with confidence and impact. The hospice sector is strongest when its voices are united — join us and be part of the movement to ensure hospice palliative care remains at the heart of our health system for generations to come. |
Presenters
Day 1: Monday April 27Equity Matters to Jewish Queer and Trans People Carmel's BioCarmel Tanaka, MPH, (she/her) is the founder and executive director of JQT Vancouver, a 100% volunteer-run Jewish queer and trans charitable nonprofit. In 2020, Carmel conducted an oral history project collecting stories from Jewish queer and trans elders across BC. Elders were sharing their fears (upon entering long term care) of having to go back into the closet twice-fold, as queer and also as Jews. This led to the creation of the JQT Seniors Initiative, which in April 2023, produced the BC Jewish Queer & Trans Seniors Resource Guide to address knowledge gaps so that community members can make more informed decisions in light of what they can and cannot get access to or plan for as Jewish queer and/or trans people living in BC today. In February 2024, Carmel hosted a town hall on JQT Dying & Death, which opened the door to more inclusive Jewish burial practices for trans and nonbinary burials. In May 2024, the initiative released their Outreach Report, which revealed critical gaps, not only in available healthcare services, but also in awareness and understanding of many issues confronting Jewish queer and trans seniors. Carmel has been offering training workshops to help close these gaps. Learn more at https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/jqt-seniors-initiative Presentation DescriptionSummaryThis workshop explores the unique challenges faced by Jewish Queer and Trans (JQT) seniors in accessing inclusive and affirming healthcare. Participants will gain an understanding of the intersecting barriers created by antisemitism and queerphobia, grounded in both lived experience and statistical evidence. The workshop draws on historical context — including the history of Jew-hatred and 2SLGBTQIA+-hatred in BC — to situate these barriers within a broader social landscape. Practical resources are provided, including the BC Jewish Queer & Trans Seniors Resource Guide and JQT Affirming Care: A Toolkit for Mental Health Providers, alongside concrete recommendations for creating more inclusive and affirming care environments. Learning OutcomesBy the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
| Day 2: Tuesday April 28Hospice Societies as Essential Infrastructures: Evidence, ROI, and System ContributionSession 1: 
Pablita's BioPablita Thomas is the Executive Director of BC Hospice Palliative Care Association and brings advocacy, partnership relations and membership engagement skills to the organization in aiding growth and public awareness. She has senior leadership roles, fund development positions for health regulated and funded non-profits and charitable organizations in Canada. She has worked in the public government space as a bilingual senior policy advisor, focusing on advocacy and health promotion and serves on numerous boards. Currently, Pablita sits on the BC Rural Health Linked Sectors as a sector contributor and on the Board of CARIPALCA – The Caribbean Palliative Care Association, a regional body that advocates, educates and aims to represent the palliative care community of the CARICOM Caribbean countries. She is an honours graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Diploma in Social Services of Family and Community Services from Guelph Humber University and a recent MBA grad from the Australian Institute of Business and holds an MD from Ross Medical University. Pablita is a French Caribbean immigrant from Point a Pitre, Guadeloupe, and has two beautiful little girls, ages 11 and 12. Daniel's BioDaniel Ordonez (BBA, MBA ) is a Data and Research Coordinator at the British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA), where he supports sector-wide research, data analysis, and strategic initiatives to strengthen hospice palliative care across British Columbia. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has completed an MBA at the University Canada West. With a background in occupational health and safety, Daniel brings a strong analytical approach and a passion for advancing equitable and sustainable healthcare systems. Presentation DescriptionHospice societies across British Columbia play a critical role in delivering community-based grief, bereavement, caregiver, and palliative supports that strengthen both the health and mental health systems. Yet, much of this contribution remains under-recognized in formal planning, funding, and policy discussions. Join Pablita Thomas, Executive Director of BCHPCA and Daniel Ordonez Mantilla, Research and Data Coordinator of BCHPCA, introducing an evidence informed System Value framework that quantifies the impact of hospice societies using both qualitative and quantitative data, grounded in a public health and prevention based approach. Drawing on provincial data and national research, the model demonstrates how hospice services contribute to cost avoidance, system efficiency, and improved community well-being.
Describe how hospice services contribute to health system sustainability through cost avoidance, prevention, and community-based care models
Identify how qualitative and quantitative data can be used together to demonstrate impact, including system value and return on investment
Explore practical ways to use evidence, outcomes, and impact narratives to strengthen funding proposals and engagement with decision-makers
Strengthen confidence in communicating hospice services as a core component of health and mental health systems, not an optional add-on Session 2: Supporting Community Wellness in First Nations Communities: The Role of Band Social Development Workers and the ISC Assisted Living Program
About ICSIndigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Its vision is to support and empower Indigenous Peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities. In BC Region, ISC works in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations to support adults with disabilities, chronic illness, or age‑related needs to live with dignity, safety, and independence. Through funding agreements, policy guidance, and program support, ISC enables communities to design and deliver Assisted Living services that are culturally appropriate and comparable to provincial programs. Support is provided through three components of the Assisted Living Program. In‑Home Support Services deliver non‑medical social supports—such as meal preparation, housekeeping, respite, and non‑medical transportation—to help individuals remain safely in their own homes. Institutional Care Services support eligible individuals requiring supervised or 24‑hour supportive residential care in provincially licensed facilities when needs can no longer be met in a community setting. Adult Foster Care provides a supportive living environment within a private family residence for eligible on‑reserve elders and adults with disabilities who cannot live independently. In BC Region, Adult Family Care Home services on reserve are funded by ISC, with service delivery provided by Community Living BC (CLBC). Together, these services help Indigenous people remain connected to their communities for as long as possible. Presentation DescriptionThis session will introduce participants to the Indigenous Services Canada Assisted Living Program and the important role of Band Social Development Workers (BSDWs) in supporting individuals, families, and Elders within First Nations communities. BSDWs are often the first point of contact for community members seeking assistance during pivotal and sometimes challenging periods, including aging, caregiving, disability, and times of loss. Through the Assisted Living Program, BSDWs help coordinate non-medical supports that allow individuals to remain safely and comfortably within their communities. The presentation will provide an overview of how the program works, the types of supports available, and how BSDWs collaborate with community leadership, service providers, and health partners. The session will also explore opportunities for stronger relationships between hospice and palliative care organizations and First Nations communities, recognizing the important role of culturally grounded care and community-based supports. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how community-based social development services intersect with aging, caregiving, and end-of-life supports in First Nations communities across British Columbia. Learning Objectives
Participants will leave the session with:
This session is intended as an introduction and relationship building opportunity to support stronger collaboration across community, health, and social services with First Nations Partners. |
Day 3: Wednesday April 29Communicating with Care: Trauma-Informed Advocacy in Action Emily's BioEmily Gibson (she/her), M.Ed., is a well‑being and trauma‑informed practice educator with over 20 years of experience supporting Indigenous communities, schools, non‑profits, hospices and organizations across Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand and Central America. She offers specialized in-person and virtual workshops, group programs, 1:1 coaching, and consulting services to help individuals thrive and guide organizations in becoming trauma‑informed. Emily offers continuing education approved certificate program and burnout reduction communities of practice for naturopathic physicians and healthcare professionals. Emily also supports child and youth well-being through designing and delivering experiential resources and activities that reflect healing-centered, culturally respectful approaches. Presentation DescriptionAdvocacy and communications are essential to hospice care, shaping how we raise awareness, engage communities and share the impact of our work. At the same time, these efforts often draw on stories of illness, grief, and vulnerability — which can unintentionally cause harm if not approached with care. This session introduces participants to the core principles of trauma-informed practice including trauma awareness as they apply to advocacy and communications. Together, we will explore common risks and unintended harms in storytelling and public messaging, and examine how language, consent and power shape the way stories are shared. Through a guided exercise, participants will compare examples of trauma-informed and non–trauma-informed policies, building their ability to recognize key differences in approach. A practical checklist will be introduced to support participants in assessing their own communications materials, advocacy efforts and organizational policies. Participants will leave feeling more equipped to critically review their current advocacy and communications practices — and to begin drafting or refining policies that reflect trauma-informed principles, uphold dignity and support ethical, respectful engagement with the communities they serve. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring the communications and/or advocacy policy(ies) from their respective organization if they want to examine that during the session. |
Day 4: Thursday April 30Impact Narratives: Securing Funding Through Real Hospice OutcomesSession 1: Home 4 Hospice - A Rural Community's Journey to Creating End-of-Life Care in Houston, BC
Lisa's BioLisa Mueller is from the Cariboo Chilcotin Country and a member of the Tsilhqot'in Nation. She is the founder and creatorof the Nation2Nation Events. And also is a First Nation consultant, community builder and workshop facilitator. She currently resides in Houston, BC. Lisa is passionate about building long-term relationships with First Nation leaders, government officials and industry to share their perspectives on economic development. She is known for her ability to bring these leaders together to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue. Her focus is always on connecting people and being the bridge between First Nations, and private industry and government. She works hard to bring the right stakeholders to the conversation. Driven by her passion to see First Nations more involved in business in the provincial and national economy, she felt compelled to create a platform for First Nations leaders to share their perspectives on economic development and major projects. The inaugural Nation2Nation Forum was held in Terrace in November 2015 and continues as an annual forum. Lisa is also a committed volunteer serving her communities. She was a Rotary member for 10 years, sat on the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy Committee, a past chair of North Coast Women in Business, a past board member of BC CN Community board for Northwest BC. And currently is on the advisory council for Resource works, Chair of Houston Hospice Society and an Elected Council Member for the District of Houston, BC. Session DescriptionThis session shares the story of how the Houston Hospice Society transformed a community vision into a functioning hospice home in rural northern British Columbia. Facing limited health system infrastructure and minimal operational funding, the community came together to purchase and renovate a home to support people nearing end of life and their families. Through grassroots fundraising, volunteer effort, and local leadership, the society created a compassionate space that allows individuals to remain close to home and community during one of life’s most important transitions. Presenters will discuss the journey from vision to implementation, including the challenges of navigating licensing processes and sustainable funding pathways. The session will also explore opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous communities and the importance of culturally welcoming care environments in rural regions. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how different community-driven hospice models can strengthen access to compassionate end-of-life care across British Columbia, particularly in rural and remote communities. Learning Objectives
Intended Takeaways for Attendees
Session 2: Taking Hospice Care on the Road: Expanding Access and Community Impact Through Mobile Outreach Bronte's BioBronte Pike is a Child and Youth Grief Counsellor at Nanaimo Community Hospice Society, where she has spent over four years supporting children, youth, and families on their grief journeys. With a background in Child and Youth Care, Bronte is passionate about grief support and education. Helping others expand their understanding of how to support themselves and those around them. Session DescriptionMany hospice societies are exploring new ways to expand access to grief, bereavement, and palliative care supports beyond traditional hospice settings. In Nanaimo, an innovative mobile outreach program is bringing counselling and support directly into community spaces through a converted outreach vehicle designed to serve children, youth, and families. In this session, Bronte Pike, Child and Youth Grief Counsellor with Nanaimo Community Hospice, will share how the organization developed and implemented its mobile counselling outreach program. The initiative responds to increasing demand for accessible grief and bereavement services, particularly for young people and families who may face barriers accessing traditional clinic-based supports. Participants will learn how Nanaimo Hospice partnered with schools, community organizations, and local partners to deliver counselling services directly where children and families are already receiving care and support. The session will explore program design, referral pathways, collaborative partnerships, and lessons learned from implementing this innovative model. This presentation highlights how creative service delivery models can expand reach, improve accessibility, and strengthen community awareness of hospice services while supporting organizational sustainability and impact. The Nanaimo model offers an example of how hospice societies can respond to evolving community needs while building strong partnerships across education, health, and social service sectors. Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways for Participants
| Day 5: Friday May 1Amplifying Hospice Voices: Practical Advocacy StrategiesSession 1: Small Society, Big Heart — How a Rural Volunteer Hospice Stays Strong |
Pay It Forward: Equitable Access to Voices Forward
Why Equitable Access Matters
Hospice palliative care is foundational — not peripheral — to our health system. Yet we know that many of the organizations doing this vital work operate with limited budgets, small teams, and stretched resources.
We believe that financial barriers should never stand between a hospice society or non-profit and the learning, tools, and community they need to thrive. That's why we're offering a Pay It Forward option: if you're able to give a little more, you help ensure a colleague from an under-resourced organization can attend.
How It Works
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Standard Registration – Pay the regular registration rate and join us for the full series, you also get the recordings and handouts after!
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Pay It Forward – Use the Pay It Forward button below to sponsor a seat for a hospice society or non-profit that cannot afford to attend.
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Supported Access – Are you from a hospice society or small non-profit with limited funds? Apply for a sponsored seat — no one should miss out because of budget constraints.
What Your Contribution Supports
Every dollar donated to the Pay It Forward fund goes directly toward:
- Covering or subsidizing registration for hospice societies and non-profits with limited operating budgets
- Ensuring smaller and rural organizations across British Columbia and the Yukon have equal access to advocacy training
- Sustaining a learning community where all hospice voices — regardless of organizational size or funding — can be heard
Apply for Sponsored Access
Are you part of a hospice society or non-profit that would benefit from attending but faces financial barriers? We want you in the room.
To apply for a sponsored seat, please complete the form before and we will be in contact with you! Please note, BCHPCA members will receive priority access to sponsored seats.BCHPCA is committed to amplifying hospice palliative care voices across British Columbia and the Yukon. No organization should be left out of conversations about equity, funding, and advocacy because of cost.
BCHPCA is dedicated to evolving into a more equitable and accessible organization, consistently offering inclusive and welcoming events, educational opportunities, and resources for everyone. If you're interested in our services and require accessible materials or financial assistance to participate, please email us at events@bchpca.org, and we will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.
About the associationBCHPCA represents its members: individuals and organizations that deliver hospice/palliative care and bereavement services and programs across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. | Contact usEmail: office@bchpca.org Unit 1100- 1200 West 73rd Ave, | Stay InTouchKeep up to date on upcoming events and recent job postings |
The BC Hospice Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA) recognizes the traditional land of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who have walked before us and minded the lands we now call home for time immemorial. Hospice Societies have been able to support, aid and care for many people on these same lands. The BCHPCA Offices are located on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh Nations.
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