# Canadian brain injury and neuroscience conferences

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-brain-injury-and-neuroscience-conferences
> Updated: 2026-08-31T18:53:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late August 2026, two distinct brain injury and neuroscience conferences were announced for upcoming events in Canada.

BrainTrust Canada scheduled its 40th anniversary conference, the Pushor Mitchell LLP West Kelowna Brain Injury Conference, for October 21 in Kelowna. Themed “Beyond Treatment: Reimagining the Future of Brain Injury Care Through Community, Innovation and Collaboration,” the event seeks to examine how brain injury intersects with mental health, homelessness, and the justice system. Executive Director Amanda McFarlane noted that the organization expects to make a “major announcement regarding the future of brain injury care” during the proceedings.

Separately, the Battle River Arts Innovation and Neuroscience (BRAIN) conference is set for October 23–25 at the Circle Square Ranch in Halkirk, Alberta. This third annual event focuses on rural perspectives and aims to distinguish between brain health and mental health. Chairperson Jane Ross stated the long-term objective is to “establish a world-class brain centre in rural Alberta.” The program will feature educational sessions and arts-based activities, including discussions on stroke recovery and the use of arts in healing.

## Claims

- Jane Ross stated that learning about the brain reveals its power to assist individuals with diseases in self-healing. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The ultimate goal of the conference is to raise awareness about brain injury and treatment and to establish a world-class brain centre in rural Alberta. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Battle River Arts Innovation and Neuroscience (BRAIN) conference will be held from October 23 to 25, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 2026 BRAIN conference will take place at Circle Square Ranch in Halkirk, Paintearth County. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The conference focuses on the distinction between brain health and mental health, as well as brain injury and recovery. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jocelyn Wanekko will speak about stroke recovery, and Philippa Cranston will discuss using arts for inner healing. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: BRAIN conference to be held at Circle Square Ranch in October

The BRAIN conference will be held at Circle Square Ranch in Halkirk, Alberta, from October 23-25, 2026, focusing on brain injury recovery and the distinction between brain and mental health.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brain-conference-to-be-held-at-circle-square-ranch-in-october

### 2026-08-23: BrainTrust Canada to host 40th anniversary conference in Kelowna

BrainTrust Canada will host its 40th anniversary brain injury conference in Kelowna on Oct. 21, focusing on community collaboration and addressing overlapping social and healthcare pressures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/braintrust-canada-to-host-40th-anniversary-conference-in-kelowna

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Cite as: Canadian brain injury and neuroscience conferences. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-brain-injury-and-neuroscience-conferences