The ‘W’ word
Our collective vision is based upon our acknowledgement and understanding of all spiritual points of view. We recognize the term ‘Witch’ will hold negative connotations for some people and will, inevitably and sadly, be a barrier to access for participation.
We acknowledge the issues the term ‘Witch’ represents to those in circumstances where using this label or word may have severe repurcussions. it is for this reason we do not insist people contributing to the festival use the term, but rather, whatever spiritual terminology appropriate to that person or their practice. To read more about the archaic Section of the Canadian Constitution that was a true spark for the festival click here.
Our use of the word arises from our commentary and desire to reclaim and recontextualize the word ‘Witch’ and position it away from the conflation of the term with evil intentions, whiteness, and privilege as well as gender and hetero-normativity. The idea of the ‘Witch’ to us is one of inclusivity, empowerment, equality and seeks to challenge and dismantle oppression and patriarchy within the arts and non-majority spiritual practices.
To reclaim the word ‘Witch’ is to reclaim the inherent and positive ideas of autonomy and agency within oppressive frameworks.
We acknowledge and respect the sovereign rights of the First people of the land we occupy and engage in dialogues that foster the lengthy process of allyship and understanding without requesting premature reconciliation.
Time Frame
The WITCHfest North Festival has always been an idea with a five year review in mind at which time we will assess how we will move forward.
Funding
There have never been any sponsors and funding to rent event space has been offset by the cost of the tables for live events. The costs have been kept below the average fee with the understanding that there will no profit. In the event there has been a profit from one of our events, the money has gone towards speaker and volunteer honoraria and some advertising.
Advisory Circle
Each year the advisory members, generally 17 - 27 members who represent all spiritual, non-majority faiths and gender expressions, abilities. ages and perspectives, are asked to contribute their opinions and ideas about the festival and its programming.
Goal
Our festival goal is to act as a support for those who are earth-based spiritual practitioners, pagans, Witches, alternative religions and all expressions of spirituality that are non-majority during a month-long festival dedicated to the arts and creativity of this diverse group of people. Many of our events run throughout the year for free, by volunteers to help community engagement and provide a safe place for certain discussion topics.
Additional goals include:
01.
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To create a safe space to share wisdom and narratives from diverse perspectives across generations and cultures about Witches and Witchcraft and all non-majority spiritual expressions as well as the creative expression of our collective community.
02.
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To hold relevant workshops, media events, art shows, vendor opportunities and entertainment for those who wish to participate within the community and for those who are supportive of the community.
03.
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To build capacity, awareness and visibility within the Witch community so that our intellectual, physical and spiritual spaces become inclusive and reflective of all practices.
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To act as an incubator for small spiritual and creative businesses and business people by offering self-employment support and a space within which to hold events and sell products to an appreciative and niched demographic.