From April 25-27, 2023, over 100 of BC's rural island stakeholders gathered on Gabriola Island to Connect + Reflect + ACT!
The 2023 RIEP Forum focused on the social, environmental and economic health of our communities, with a program consisting of:
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Keynote & Plenary Panels on Indigenous Business & Reconciliation, Economics of Climate Change, Housing Lessons Learned, BC Ferries Accountability
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Interactive Panels, Sector Showcases & Action Labs — on topics from Food Resilience to the Circular Economy, Regenerative Tourism, Social Enterprise and Rural Arts Vitality
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Live music, social events, and other 'unconference' activities
2023 Forum Highlights
We'll be sharing copies of 2023 Forum presentations and video summaries throughout the summer and fall. Stay tuned!
- WRAP-UP POST: Read an article looking back on highlights from the 2023 RIEP Forum on our blog.
- THE PROGRAM: See the full 2023 RIEP Forum program, including speaker bios!
- THE RESOLUTIONS: Read about the 2023 RIEP Forum Resolutions—the process and our outcomes from the "unconference conference"
- PHOTOS: Visit the RIEP Facebook Page and browse the photo galleries.
Learn about our main event outcomes—the 2023 Forum Resolutions—in a special Connection Cafe on June 8th!
Who attended the 2023 RIEP Forum?
Island-Based Businesses:
- Freelancers, work-from-home consultants, start-up founders & solopreneurs
- Small business & tourism owner-operators
- Artists and cultural creators
- Food, beverage, and other artisan producers
Community Stakeholders & Island Allies:
- From island ecdev orgs, chambers of commerce, non-profits & other NGOs
- Indigenous Community leaders
- Island government representatives
- Provincial and federal government staff
