CEPI 2026 Workshop
Listening to the People of the Lakes
Come walk with us — listening, learning, and shaping a shared vision.
The CEPI 2026 Workshop brings together community members, partners, knowledge holders, practitioners, and decision-makers to listen, discuss, reflect, and help shape the future of the Bras d’Or Lake and watershed. Grounded in collaboration and guided by Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing, this three-day gathering creates space for meaningful dialogue and shared visioning that will help CEPI assess the current state of the Bras d’or communities, and if a change in focus is required.
Supported by
About the Workshop
Building on the legacy of earlier CEPI gatherings, including the landmark 2004 workshop, this event emphasizes active participation, understanding, respect, and cooperation that will directly influence CEPI priorities and workplans over the coming years.
Participants will engage in a highly interactive, facilitated workshop format designed to encourage relationship building and practical input. The program includes:
- Opening ceremonies and community welcome
- Presentations situating CEPI’s work and current context
- Table-based discussions and report-backs
- Collaborative review of CEPI’s planning priorities
- Opportunities to explore gaps, opportunities, and future directions
- Networking, shared meals, and informal conversations
The workshop is designed to ensure participants see themselves and their evolving vision for the Lake reflected in CEPI’s workplan.
Across the three days, participants will explore and work through CEPI’s priorities using a consistent, participatory format that blends short presentations with facilitated table discussions and collective reporting.
Topics to be discussed include recent task team activities related to:
- Recreational Fishing
- Tourism, and Forestry
- Current trends and social-environmental concerns: Agriculture, Food Security, Renewable Energy, Mining, Climate Change
- Current state of the Bras d’or and surrounding communities
Each Session will include an overview, small-group workshopping, and group-wide synthesis, allowing diverse perspectives to inform future planning.
What we look forward to:
A welcome reception, youth, elder and partner voices, special recognitions, and a closing wrap-up will round out the program.
- Registration: now open
- Fee: $200 (includes all meals and nutrition breaks)
- Capacity: Limited – early registration strongly encouraged
Hampton Inn by Hilton – Membertou
A preferred conference rate has been secured at Hampton Inn by Hilton
- Address: 5 Aberdeen Road, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1
- Phone: 902-564-6555
- Rate: $229 per night
- Rate cut-off date: February 19, 2026
- Double Queen or King with pull-out
How to Book
Participants may reserve accommodations in one of two ways:
- By phone: Call 902-564-6555 and speak with a front desk agent. Ask to reserve under the “CEPI Conference” room block.
- Online: Use the link to book directly into the room block.
Please Note: Rooms are limited and will be released after the cut-off date.