Gathering at the Waters: Uplift | Encourage | Empower
Gathering at the Waters honors the early years of JCLC as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the conference in 2026. The first two JCLCs held “Gathering at the Waters” as the foundation for the themes:
JCLC 2006 Gathering at the Waters: Embracing our Spirits, Telling our Stories
JCLC 2012 Gathering at the Waters: Celebrating Stories, Embracing Communities
The theme also honors the Spokane River. This River is an important landmark for Spokane, and the Convention Center sits along its edges. The River was also important to Indigenous tribes, known for spawning the biggest salmon that sustained many communities. Sadly, the salmon population was decimated by commercialization, development, and dams. In 1972, Chief Alex Sherwood of the Spokane tribe shared:
“Sometimes even now I find a lonely spot where the river still runs wild. I find myself talking to it. I might ask, ‘River, do you remember how it used to be – the game, the fish, the pure water, the roar of the falls, boats, canoes, fishing platforms? You fed and took care of our people then. For thousands of years we walked your banks and used your waters. You would always answer when our chiefs called to you with their prayer to the river spirit.’ Sometimes I stand and shout, ‘RIVER, DO YOU REMEMBER US?”’
Uplift | Encourage | Empower are inspired by Gloria Gaynor’s description of her iconic song “I Will Survive.” When these words were first shared with the Steering Committee, we felt inspired by the close ties these words have with JCLC. We recognize that this conference is a space for healing, joy, and rejuvenation for our attendees. While the world we live in is uncertain, we strive to create a place for refuge, renewal, and hope in 2026. Whether you are seeking new insights, community support, or actionable strategies, Gathering at the Waters promises to be a transformative experience, offering the tools you need to rise, thrive, and empower others along the way.
The lines between Uplift | Encourage | Empower reflect the style of the conference logo.