Rural-Coastal Communities: Beacons of Resilience
These troubling times serve as powerful reminders of the critical importance of regional collaboration and the need to support small businesses and community-based organizations. Recognizing that no single community can thrive in isolation, the 2025 RIEP Forum brought together representatives from 32 communities and over 100 attendees.
These community-building leaders are driving and championing innovative solutions that align with the Forum's theme: Adaptation – Innovation – Resilience. Program speakers and participants shared insights on how we continue to learn from one another, strengthening our communities by becoming beacons of safety, well-being, and leadership in the movement toward building regenerative economies that will benefit generations to come.
Our strength lies in our capacity to build our social capital and
to strengthen our community connections with each other!
DAY 1
Day 1: US Tariffs & Local Livelihoods: Tariff Economic Impact & Strategies for Rural Coastal and Indigenous Communities – Aaron Cruikshank
Day 1: Plenary Roundtable – Shared Services: Pooling Resources for Socio-Economic Well-Being
Day 1: Plenary Roundtable – AI Insights: Integrating AI for Business and Non-Profit Success
DAY 2
Day 2: Plenary Speaker – Adam Olsen, Lead Negotiator, Tsarslip First Nation; Former MLA
Day 2: Ensuring Affordable Housing for All: Rural Coastal Housing Initiatives
Day 2: Learning Exchange: A Showcase of Resiliency Initiatives From Across the Region
SLIDES
What Past Attendees Say
"The Forum tackles big topics with great minds and focuses on values-based outcomes for problem solving while supporting community economic development in our region.”
"This was a great opportunity to network and get up to speed on what's happening in our rural remote island and coastal communities."
"I loved how many diverse voices and perspectives were at the Forum."
""A unique gathering of people who were very engaged with helping their own community within the scope and understanding of working together for the greater good."
With Gratitude To Our RIEP Forum Supporters
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