Our Story
The sustainability discussion courses were first brought to Victoria BC from the US Northwest Earth Institute in 1995 by Jackie Robson. A steering committee soon formed to promote, organize and deliver the courses with over six hundred individuals participating between 1996 and 2002. Henri Lock, the chaplain at the University of Victoria Interfaith Chaplaincy also offered the courses through the University of Victoria.
After three years of serving on the steering committee, in 2000, Beth Cruise decided to set up a Canadian National Network to offer the courses across Canada. CEI Board of Directors’ first meeting was on June 25, 2003. Federal Incorporation was granted on July 21, 2004 and Charitable Tax Status was approved March 2008. Seed funding for CEI was generously provided by the Leisure Recreation Group. The first task for the organization was gaining Canadian copyright permissions for the study guides. Participants now number over 1600 throughout Victoria BC and elsewhere in Canada.
Recently, CEI has broadened its educational resources through hands-on learning (Cob Building and Introduction to Permaculture Design) and through transitioning to sustainability skills (Working Together, Intelligent Listening and Leadership).
The Canadian Earth Institute shares resources with twenty-five other Sister Earth Institute in the North American Earth Institute Network which has over 110,000 participants in eight discussion courses.
The Canadian Earth Institute supports the commitment of individuals who seek to protect the earth.
389 Atkins Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V9B 3A1 250.727.9163 Email
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