In 1885, an amendment to Canada’s Indian Act banned the traditional practice of potlatch by Indigenous peoples, and remained in place for the next six decades. Even if you were aware of the ban and … [Read more...] about Ivy Peers: A Champion for Community Economic Self-Determination
Member Profiles
Building Future Communities, A Thetis Island Leader Reconciles His Past
Reflecting on his childhood in Saltair, an unincorporated community between Chemainus and Ladysmith, Doug Fenton admits that, while he enjoyed growing up on the rural shorelines of Vancouver Island, … [Read more...] about Building Future Communities, A Thetis Island Leader Reconciles His Past
Pender Island Business Leader Balances the 30,000-foot View & Community Mindset
Thandi Williams may be one of the newest rural islanders to catch the RIEP member spirit— she arrived on Pender Island in 2020 — but she already talks like a seasoned veteran. “I believe in sharing … [Read more...] about Pender Island Business Leader Balances the 30,000-foot View & Community Mindset
Forum Connections for Salt Spring Community Leader
“At first I wasn't sure I belonged,” said Robin Jenkinson, reflecting on the invitation she received from a good friend to participate on a speaker panel at the 2023 RIEP Forum, held in late April on … [Read more...] about Forum Connections for Salt Spring Community Leader
Quadra Builders Look Towards the Future-Focused Community
The desire for community can come from many places. For Marc Doll and Jen Banks Doll, it initially came from their shared vision to create what Marc calls a ‘future-focused community’. It was a vision … [Read more...] about Quadra Builders Look Towards the Future-Focused Community
For Gabriola Changemaker, Action Needs Inter-Island Connection
“Embracing Hope, Taking Action, and Transforming the World” is a heck of a slogan. And for some people, it exists purely in the realm of the aspirational. Not so for Gabriola Island resident Fay … [Read more...] about For Gabriola Changemaker, Action Needs Inter-Island Connection
Community is What Makes Us: BCMovement and Art Society
“Community is what makes us, and RIEP is about bringing together like-minded people and businesses who truly understand what Island Life is all about. We need more connection between the … [Read more...] about Community is What Makes Us: BCMovement and Art Society
Neighbourliness Matters: Folk University
“Folk University is built upon the very same idea that is at the heart of RIEP: neighbourliness matters. Rural Islanders know and live this: we know we need each other to thrive as distinct … [Read more...] about Neighbourliness Matters: Folk University
