R2R is the best conference I attend. Year after year, it effortlessly stokes the intellect, readies us for emerging opportunities and challenges, raises our sights toward a better future together, and affords us our messy human emotions all the while. The food is great. The people even greater. Thank you to everyone who puts their hearts into making R2R such a pleasure – your team are amazing!! I’m already fantasizing about Bay to Bay!
Delegate, Marjorie Brans
I was thrilled to recently participate in the Pathways to Practice (P2P) session on Friday, October 18th, which took place from 9:30 to 11:30 on Day 3 of the Rural Talks to Rural (R2R) conference. During the session, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations focused on welcoming, attracting, and retaining newcomers in rural Ontario. What made the discussion particularly compelling was the exploration of this issue from multiple perspectives, including research and government programs. A key insight from the discussion was that strategies effective in urban areas may not be practical for rural regions, and this distinction should be reflected in government programs aimed at supporting newcomers. Thank you to the organizers for putting together such a meaningful event.
Delegate, Rana Telfah, PhD Graduate, University of Guelph
This is really beautiful. Stories are so important—the good ones and the ‘cringy’ ones. And fear teaches us so much! Thanks for sharing your authentic self always! ❤️
Delegate, Diana Parks
My time in The Art Gallery was amazing, and fielding questions from attendees about Two Row on the Grand was fulfilling and much thanks to you, Pat “Flash” Flood and Cathy Nosaty for supporting me. The story circle with Wendy and Ailsa was quite an adventure as none of us knew how it would go! But it was great. Now, here’s something to admit to you…. A few like-minded folks supported idea- sharing and discussion with me during the Pro Action Cafe… about how to get a documentary film made on Year 10 of Two Row on the Grand. We just gravitated towards each other in a very simple and organic way. Again, I felt supported and came away with a few ideas, networks, and connections. A great learning opportunity for me, and a big thank you to all who made it happen!
Mohawk Elder, Ellie Joseph, Two Row on the Grand at Six Nations
This year the R2R24 Conference was such a beautiful event – connecting, networking with fascinating people. For Gateway (Centre for Excellence in Rural Health) having five rural research chairs participating was a highlight and as always the great energy and fun on the 10 year anniversary of R2R was extra special. I love that you love our precious Huron County!
Gwen Devereaux, Board President, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health
Thank you so much for the honor of having me speak to these lovely R2R folks! I had no idea what to expect, but I enjoyed my time here very much. What a fun and well-run conference.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Wendy Wong, Professor UBC Okanagan and author of We The Data: human rights in a digital age
What Peter Smith, Casandra Bryant, and the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity achieved during the Rural Talks To Rural conference was illuminating and generative. The conference brought together seemingly disparate groups of entrepreneurs, academics, artists, activists, students, policymakers and citizens and exposed a network of connective tissue that radiates from a shared love of the land and a passion for the rural experience. The itinerary was unique and informative, inviting participants to engage with familiar topics through new and unexpected perspectives. The CCRC illuminates the power of individual lived experience and the generative potential of changing the lens through which you view any issue. Often, transformative action begins with the slightest shift in perspective. R2R offers participants a fresh perspective on the land they love and the change they envision. Thank you, all.
Delegate, Dylan Roberts
I have attended every R2R conference and always come away feeling reinvigorated by interacting with rural people who love rural people.
Jim Ginn, Mayor of Central Huron
Big thanks for your exemplary leadership through the conference (organization and delivery)
The R2R conference serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of rural communities. Through shared stories, innovative ideas, and meaningful dialogue, we are building a future where collaboration and creativity are the cornerstones of rural prosperity. I leave this gathering inspired and energized by the people who continue to shape the future of our rural landscapes.
Dr. Wayne Caldwell, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph
The diversity and resilience of rural communities continues to amaze. R2R24 showcased the ingenuity, perseverance, and creativity of rural people and places. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of our collective power and responsibility to the future of rural places.
Dr. Ryan Gibson, Professor, University of Guelph