The congress
Origin, philosophy and 2026 edition of the Bamileke Canada Congress.
The origins of the congress
The Bamileke Canada Congress (CBC) is the founding gathering BINAM Canada offers its diaspora. Designed as a living manifesto rather than a simple conference, it brings together elders, entrepreneurs, academics, artists and new generations around a single table — the table of shared roots.
Our philosophy
Three words shape every edition: Roots, Unity, Future. They map out the journey we offer participants — remembering where we come from, recognizing one another, and then looking together toward what we want to build for those who follow.
“Let us take the time to come together, to think collectively about our place, and to prepare what we will leave to the generations to come.”
Congress manifesto
What you experience
- Opening and closing ceremonies in the presence of the elders, following ancestral protocols.
- Lectures and keynotes on history, migration, transmission, community economics and youth.
- Intergenerational workshops and roundtables: tontine 2.0, parenting, plural identity, intangible heritage.
- Cultural evenings — food, music, dance, celebrating the regional chapters.
- Marketplace and exhibitors — Bamileke entrepreneurship, crafts, books, fashion, services.
2026 edition — Drummondville
The fourth edition is held from August 7 to 9, 2026 in Drummondville (Quebec), the balance point between Montreal and Quebec City. Three days, three themes: Roots, Unity, Future. Discover the full schedule →
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BINAM Canada
Pan-Canadian Bamileke Association
Canada Visit website -
Bamiléké Community of Calgary
Diversity · Solidarity · Empowerment
Calgary, AB
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President
Dr. Patrice Fonkou
Physician and philanthropist, Dr. Fonkou has been leading scholarship programmes for diaspora youth for 15 years. He will participate in the round table on intergenerational transmission.
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City councillor
Mrs Christine Nguepi
Municipal councillor and diversity spokesperson in Drummondville, Christine Nguepi will welcome the congress on behalf of the host city and participate in the official welcome committee.
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Cultural ambassador
Pr. Élisabeth Mbeumo
Academic and writer, Pr. Mbeumo has been working for 30 years to promote Bamileke intangible heritage. She will deliver the cultural address at the closing gala.
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Paramount chief
S.M. Fo Sokeng II
Guardian of tradition and spiritual figure, S.M. Fo Sokeng II represents customary authority during the great gatherings of the Bamileke diaspora. His presence marks the sacred and ancestral…
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Federal MP
The Honourable Marie-Claude Tagne
First MP of Bamileke origin elected to the Canadian Parliament, Marie-Claude Tagne carries the voices of African diaspora communities in federal institutions. She will officially open the congress.
