When we planned to get together for a different kind of “Paddle for the Peace” this summer, we expected a smattering of supporters to float up for a mellow evening of music and friendship in Victoria.

That’s exactly what happened. But what we didn’t predict was what big waves our “Festival Afloat” would make! From media coverage in Capital Daily, CFox and Folklife Magazine to an absolutely astonishing $30k in donations, our two little shows in Victoria made a big splash for Indigenous justice. 

If you missed the shows on Salt Spring and in Victoria, never fear! Another West Coast show is taking place in Vancouver on August 14th, while easterners can roll up to a concert August 21st in Montreal. Want to host a late-summer floating show in your own community? Get in touch! 

Get Tickets for Vancouver : https://fundraise.raventrust.com/event/festival-afloat-vancouver/e349034

Get Tickets for Montreal: https://fundraise.raventrust.com/festivalafloatmontreal

We are so grateful to ŦEȺLIE Brianna Dick, ANSWER Drum Group, Wes Carrol Confabulation, and Cara Bateman for giving powerful, heartfelt performances. This sweet festival has been supported by these incredibly generous businesses: 

Denman Island Chocolate • Fierce Kindness • Green City Builders • Hide and Seek Coffee • FATSO • Merci Boulangerie • Persephone Brewing • Oh Sweet Day Bakery

The recent BC Supreme Court Blueberry River decision found that B.C. must stop authorizing activities that breach Treaty promises. That ruling could have sweeping implications for West Moberly First Nations’ case against Site C Dam, and offers new opportunities for this strategic legal challenge aimed at protecting the Peace Valley and Indigenous rights for future generations. Together with the surge of support coming this month from RAVEN’s awesome community, we are riding a wave of hope. 

To everyone who donated, floated, volunteered, sponsored, performed and found creative ways to support RAVEN’s Festival Afloat: we send huge grins, high fives and (virtual) bouquets of summer sunflowers.