It’s always a bit surreal to wrap up Festival Afloat each year. We know we’ve created something so unique and special that brings together lovers of being at sea, with advocates for Indigenous rights, top tier musicians, and strangers who happen to be walking by. Your presence and support makes this event truly memorable every year.
The backdrop of Jericho Beach on June 30th, accompanied by the soulful melodies of Desirée Dawson and Jody Okabe, created another unforgettable sunset experience. Followed on July 1 (Heiltsuk Day) and July 17 by the delightful sailing cruises out of Vancouver and Salt Spring Island, which always adds a special touch to our festival!
Together, we raised $15K for Heiltsuk Nation’s legal challenge that aims to enshrine protection for coastal marine ecosystems into law. Festival Afloat proves again to be a way we can embrace celebration and community while also showing our commitment to supporting Indigenous justice.
This year, Festival Afloat partnered with Reciprocity Trust to make recognition of the Indigenous lands where our events take place more real, and to say thank you with more than just words. RAVEN recognizes that while our work focuses on raising funds for Indigenous legal cases, in partnership with Indigenous Nations, that we are doing so on the Indigenous lands of Nations that do not always benefit directly from our work.
Reciprocity Trust is a digital platform that supports homeowners and businesses, as well as renters and event organizers, to make land acknowledgement real and recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction more meaningful. This year, $122.55 which is 1% of ticket sales from Festival Afloat are being donated to Reciprocity Trust. Learn more about the good work they are doing here.
Once again, thank you for your support and for being a part of the magic that is Festival Afloat.
