Columbia Basin Symposia
The Trust holds a Columbia Basin Symposium every few years, starting in the early 1990s before the Trust was even officially created. At these events, residents come together to discuss common interests and share diverse perspectives, all while honouring what makes this region great. Click on the following tabs to view summaries of these symposia.
2023 – Cranbrook, Trail and Golden
For the first time ever, the Trust offered three symposia instead of one, held in May and June in Cranbrook, Trail and Golden. The goal was to enable as many Basin residents as possible to join in the celebrations and conversations. Participants discussed the future of the region and what role the Trust may be able to play as we renew the Columbia Basin Management Plan. In addition, attendees enjoyed and Evening of Basin Culture including:
- Amazing food created with local ingredients.
- Hillbilly music from the Doggone Brothers.
- Foot-stomping tunes from the Maritime Kitchen Party.
- Entertaining offerings by locals Lucas Myers and Claire Dibble.
- Indigenous language and culture present by Bonnie Harvey, Ktunaxa Nation.
- Introspection and reflection from slam poet Zaynab Mohammed.
- Keynote address by Canadian comic Rick Mercer.
Watch the highlights video (5:54 min).
2017 – Kimberley
On October 13-15, 2017 we hosted the Columbia Basin Symposium in Kimberley, BC.
The event focused on SHIFT! Thriving in change. We had over 450 residents come together to discuss shared challenges our region faces; a changing climate, new technologies and shifting demographics. See photos.
In addition to Symposium, we also hosted An Evening of Basin Culture and Entertainment in Kimberley’s Platzl on October 14. The event was a celebration of Basin residents, culture and entertainment. See photos.
As a bonus to the weekend, on October 13, we were able to offer a FREE community event in Cranbrook for youth and community members to see Col. Chris Hadfield before he presented at Symposium. See photos.
Watch the highlights video (2:25 min).
2013 – Creston
Over 300 Basin residents connected with each other at the 2013 Columbia Basin Symposium, held October 18 to 20 in Creston at the Creston and District Community Complex. The event focused on “Community Change Through Collaborative Action.”
The event sought to engage key leaders and residents active in their communities to collectively look toward the future of the Basin. The keynote speaker was Paul Born, President and Co-founder of Tamarack: An Institute for Community Engagement, which helps people collaborate and achieve collective impact on complex community issues.
The Symposium was also an opportunity to learn more about the work the Trust was doing in the region and provide input into its current planning initiatives.
2010 – Revelstoke
Nearly 300 people from communities throughout the Basin attended the 2010 Columbia Basin Symposium, “Shaping Our Future Together: Take Action, Build Partnerships, Strengthen Communities.” The Symposium took place October 22 to 24 in Revelstoke.
Facilitated sessions covered topics like economic development, alternate energy, community engagement and building resilient organizations.
2007 – Castlegar
The 2007 Columbia Basin Symposium took place October 19 to 21 at Selkirk College in Castlegar. The event was a great opportunity for over 250 participants to share their perspectives on issues important to them, including climate change, labour force, changing demographics, effective community planning and affordable housing.
