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Rural Islands Economic Partnership

Cultivating Resilient Partnerships

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  • Galiano Island: Penelakut Traditional Territory

  • Quadra Island: Wei Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Traditional Territory

  • Saturna Island: Tsawout and Tseycum, WSÁNEĆ Traditional Territory

  • Hornby Island: Pentlach Traditional Territory

  • Denman Island: Pentlach Traditional Territory

  • Mayne Island: W̱SÁNEĆ Traditional Territory

  • Gabriola Island: Snuneymuxw Traditional Territory

  • Salt Spring Island: W̱SÁNEĆ (Tsawout) and Quw'utsun Traditional Territory

  • Pender Island: W̱SÁNEĆ Traditional Territory

  • Bowen Island: Squamish Traditional Territory

  • Cortes Island: Homalco, Tla'amin, and Klahoose Traditional Territory

Resilience Through Partnership

The Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) promotes economic resilience across the rural islands of British Columbia. Together with Indigenous and settler businesses, community partners and supporters, RIEP fosters community engagement, coordination, and collaboration to achieve economic goals sustainably.

Collaborate Regionally, Achieve Results Locally

RIEP provides opportunities for communication, community engagement, information-sharing, and collaboration, through initiatives focused on the challenges facing rural island and rural coastal communities today. From the climate crisis and the need for economic resilience, to Reconciliation and the strengthening of BC's social safety net, RIEP’s programs promote regenerative strategies that support the socio-economic health of BC’s rural island and coastal communities.

Keep the Islands Vibrant

British Columbia’s rural islands are social and cultural gems. They are home to diverse communities of changemakers, innovators, and creators. RIEP serves rural island communities—including Indigenous communities with traditional and reserve lands—on Bowen, Broughton Archipelago, Cormorant, Cortes, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Malcolm, Mayne, Pender, Quadra, Salt Spring, Saturna, Texada, and Thetis & Penelakut islands. Our Partnership includes individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments interested in fostering healthy and vibrant communities across the islands.

Explore our Islands by mousing over an icon!

Join RIEP Today!

Together, we leverage our strengths and deliver meaningful results for all of British Columbia’s rural island communities—as a RIEP member, you can:

  • Get discounted registration for the RIEP Forum, our 'unconference conference' consisting of inspiring presentations where we develop ideas for shared and addressing ways to overcome challenges, and engage in valuable networking and celebration of the creative fabric of our rural island communities.
  • Participate in Connection Cafés, lively topical inter-island meet-ups where you can connect with fellow rural islanders to share ideas, provide mutual support, and strengthen connections.
  • Take advantage of Rising Tide Business Services, offering affordable digital marketing tools and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses to discover new markets for their businesses.
Join RIEP

News

Working Towards a Green Economy: RIEP Business Impact Survey

August 31, 2023

Up and down British Columbia's south coast, rural island communities serve as models for addressing the systemic challenges that affect communities of … [Read More...] about Working Towards a Green Economy: RIEP Business Impact Survey

Community Members Come Together to Activate RIEP Resolutions

June 16, 2023

June 8 Connection Café Results in Three New Volunteer Working Groups to Act for BC’s Rural Islands Café attendees included participants of the RIEP … [Read More...] about Community Members Come Together to Activate RIEP Resolutions

That’s a Wrap! Takeaways from the 2023 RIEP Forum

May 23, 2023

Putting the Pieces Together for Healthy Rural Island Communities Over 125 islanders, stakeholders, allies, and representatives from all levels of … [Read More...] about That’s a Wrap! Takeaways from the 2023 RIEP Forum

Rising Tide Business Services

Find out how RIEP is helping rural island economies with Rising Tide Business Services.

Learn More

RIEP Forum

News & Resources

Access meaningful local and regional information. Browse rural island-focused resources and find out about RIEP's upcoming events.

Read More

Member Profiles

Meet fellow rural islanders who have joined the RIEP movement.

Read More

Supporters Circle

We are deeply grateful for the financial and in-kind contributions all helping to build and sustain BC’s rural island economies, culture, livelihoods and collective voice.

Learn More

 

Member Profiles

Meet fellow rural islanders who have joined the RIEP movement.

Read More

Rising Tide Business Services

Find out how RIEP is helping rural island economies with Rising Tide Business Services.

Learn More

RIEP Forum

News & Resources

Access meaningful local and regional information. Browse rural island-focused resources and find out about RIEP's upcoming events.

Read More

Supporters Circle

We are deeply grateful for the financial and in-kind contributions all helping to build and sustain BC’s rural island economies, culture, livelihoods and collective voice.

Learn More

Island Stories

‘Namgis Business Development Corporation has a new look thanks to Rising Tide Business Services

May 15, 2022

The Rural Island Economic Partnership is pleased to welcome the 'Namgis Business Development Corporation (“NBDC”), as an organizational member and … [Read More...] about ‘Namgis Business Development Corporation has a new look thanks to Rising Tide Business Services

The Quadra Island Cookbook Comeback: Good Food for a Good Cause 

December 9, 2021

During the summer of 2021, more than 75 Quadra Island residents came together to taste test over 350 home-cooked recipes created by over 100 … [Read More...] about The Quadra Island Cookbook Comeback: Good Food for a Good Cause 

Living Through the Pandemic on Malcolm Island: “Sisu”

March 5, 2021

Marjorie Giroux of Malcolm Island fills the role of Community Developer at the Sointula Resource Centre Society and is a Rural Islands Economic … [Read More...] about Living Through the Pandemic on Malcolm Island: “Sisu”

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars!

There are no upcoming events at this time

In Case You Missed It

08 June 2023

Connection Cafe – 2023 RIEP Forum Resolutions

Learn about the Rural Islands Values Framework and our 2023 RIEP Forum Resolutions — a roadmap for realizing rural island “values in action"!

Find out more »
Zoom,
25 April 2023

RIEP Forum 2023

The 2023 RIEP Forum is an “unconference” conference for island settlers, Indigenous communities and allies - an opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting, reflect on common challenges and new ideas, and act! Join us on Gabriola Island, this April 25-27th.

Find out more »

> See March - May 2020 Covid Response Roundtables

Let's Get Social! @RuralIslandsPartnership

In our latest blog post, we reflect on the inspira In our latest blog post, we reflect on the inspiration for our Business Impact Survey, which you can find at RIEP.ca/impact 

This short survey is a big part of our Green Business Accelerator project, because it will help fill in gaps in our understanding of the size, scope, and nature of BC’s rural island economy. 

The public is invited to participate - whether you’re a business owner, operator, employee, community elder or volunteer, tell us about your work within our rural island and coastal communities. Do you have the resources and support needed to be ready, willing and able to address the impacts of economic activity on island life, and our vulnerable social and ecological systems?

Learn more - read the blog (it’s the latest post at ruralislandspartnership.ca), and then take the survey thru to Sep 22!

📷: @zenseekers 

#greenbusiness #businessimpact #social #ecological #systemsthinking #community #economicdevelopment #islandlife #britishcolumbia
SURVEY: riep.ca/impact What do you think about ec SURVEY: riep.ca/impact

What do you think about ecological & social impacts of economic activity in BC's rural island and coastal communities? 🏞

...and what resources and support do you think we need to manage these impacts? 💰

We're asking island and coastal community residents who have a business or a job on a rural island to take a short survey 📋 about the impacts and opportunities related to economic activity on BC's rural islands:

www.riep.ca/impact 

WHY WE'RE DOING IT
Your feedback can help us all learn more about on-island businesses, their activities and practices, and the support they need to adapt to the future changes in the region. 🤲🏼

WHAT WE'LL DO WITH THE RESULTS
Once the research is complete, we’ll deliver a full report 📄 to the provincial government, along with recommendations on funding, programs, and other resources needed by BC’s rural island and coastal community businesses.

WHY IT MATTERS
Based on these recommendations, we hope to secure new to bring the recommendations with the most ‘impact potential’ to BC’s rural islands…and to be part of the change we want to see in the 🌎!

Questions? Add your comment below!
Are you in or near Alert Bay/Cormorant Island (Yal Are you in or near Alert Bay/Cormorant Island (Yalis)?

Our program, Rising Tide Business Services, is excited to offer FREE Digital Marketing and AI Training at U’mista as part of their Summer Program Schedule! 

✨Join Us ✨ 

Women (all ages) and Youth (35 and under) in Alert Bay - if you are interested in learning how to use AI and digital marketing for your business OR to work as a digital Freelancer, you are welcome to attend this FREE training presented by Rising Tide Business in collaboration with Indiginext. Join Sherese, Duncan and Beth as they explain the basics and how-tos of AI, websites, social media and more! Learn how to develop your business idea, get your business online, or work with Rising Tide Business Services to support local businesses in Alert Bay and beyond. 

Join us for these 2 jam-packed days by registering at the link here: 
bit.ly/3shmnI7

Youth (under 35): Aug 22 & 23
Women (all ages): Aug 24 & 25
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
(Lunch Provided) 

*Please bring laptop or tablet, if available. Or let us know if needed. 

Please share to anyone you think may be interested… and if you have questions, please ask them here, send us a message at sherese@risingtidebusiness.ca, or call 604-790-2678.

Or again, register here: bit.ly/3shmnI7

Please note: Space is limited, and if you are interested but unable to attend, please let us know and we will notify you of future opportunities. And, if you don’t meet the criteria of Women (all ages) or Youth (under 35), please also reach out as we may be able to accommodate you!

Skills Up Logo credit and kudos to Adamlewisart
On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day...

“Every year, we join together on this day to recognize the fundamental contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. The history, art, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples have shaped our past, and continue to shape who we are today.

No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. [The Government of Canada] is working together with Indigenous Peoples to build a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship – one based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights."
— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, 2017

We hope you participate in activities in your community to learn more about the richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural expressions and stories!

Check out @indigenoustourismbc's list of events happening across British Columbia today: https://www.indigenousbc.com/2023-national-indigenous-history-month-peoples-day

(full text of PM Justin Trudeau's remarks from 2017: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2017/06/21/statement-prime-minister-canada-national-aboriginal-day)
On behalf of Rural Islands Economic Partnership (R On behalf of Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP), we would like to share that www.IslandCOMEBACK.ca has been officially closed down, and no longer offers Gift Certificates and/or Donations for BC’s rural islands businesses.

Since May of 2020 hundreds of visitors to www.IslandCOMEBACK.ca were able to purchase gift certificates or donate to over 160 participating businesses spanning all of BC’s rural islands and coastal region.

Now, the RIEP Team has moved forward to further address the unique needs of Island and Coastal businesses and non-profits with the establishment of Rising Tide Business Services, dedicated to providing cost effective marketing services and solutions through a rural lens.

We are so grateful for your involvement over these years, and look forward to continue supporting rural economic health and resiliency.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns, we are around to help!

Sincerely, the RIEP Team

#IslandCOMEBACK #BCsRuralIslands #RuralIslandsEconomicPartnership #RIEP #RisingTideBusinessServices #RTB

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The Rural Islands Economic Partnership Society (RIEP) of British Columbia (BC) is a thriving alliance of diverse settler and Indigenous rural island communities sustained through shared values and a united voice for achieving social, economic, and cultural well-being; environmental stewardship; and collaborative strength on behalf of BC’s rural islands.

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