The BC Rural Network, in partnership with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary & Community Futures Boundary will host the 7th BC Rural Communities Summit in Grand Forks, BC. This biennial forum will take place at the Grand Forks Secondary School, June 7 – 9 , 2012.

Keynote Speaker Angus Graeme, President and CEO at Selkirk College
The Rural Learning Region: Learning Networks, Social Capital
and Community Innovation.

The Canada Council on Learning suggests that Canada's future prosperity is directly tied to how lifelong learning is promoted and supported from early years to elder years- not just in individuals, but at the community level. Community-based lifelong learning is a critical to capacity building, social and economic development, and an important determinant of community health and sustainability. But are we realizing its full potential in rural Canada?

On several fronts, and most recently with the launching of the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute, Selkirk College is eager to play a leadership role in supporting the West Kootenay/Boundary in becoming a rural learning region. This keynote presentation will discuss the idea of "learning regions" and provide current examples in which the strengthening of learning networks, focused investments in social capital, and applied research within regions have contributed to economic stimulation and innovation.

Grassroots, Growing Sustainable Rural Communities offers participants the opportunity to explore today’s most innovative strategies in building a sustainable rural economy.

Summit workshops and presentations will feature industry leaders with the goal of:

• Creating and enhancing awareness around issues of importance to rural and remote communities across all regions of BC
• Providing participants with practical tools and strategies that can be translated into actions in their communities
• Offering valuable opportunities to network with and learn from rural colleagues