The Festival of What Works exists to promote multiple proofs not just of what is possible, but what is practical and replicable in Salmon Nation.
Our commitments
Uplifting Indigenous voices and honoring Indigenous wisdom
Focusing on solution-based ideas
Listening to and highlighting voices from “edge” and otherwise unheard communities and groups
Championing environmental, social, and economic justice
Respecting the value of stories shared with us through both payment and process
Honoring place-based connections and communities
Our inspiration
The Festival of What Works is a production of The Magic Canoe, a non-profit organization designed to grow a movement made up of paddlers in a metaphorical “magic canoe.” All people in Salmon Nation are invited to participate in the design and delivery of new ways of thinking and acting in our bioregion.
We draw inspiration from the work of Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul. Wa’xaid was an Indigenous Elder who led community efforts to protect the Kitlope Valley, and who inspired thousands of others in environmental and community stewardship. The festival is a way for all people living in Salmon Nation to continue Cecil’s journey.
Wa’xaid, Cecil Paul
Indigenous Elder
The team
Each year, The Festival of What Works also works with a Programming Committee across Salmon Nation who curate our events.
The 2021 committee includes:
Lux Gypsum, Rhys-Thorvald Hansen, Heather Hardcastle, Jenn Meilleur, Hup Wil Lax A (Kirby) Muldoe, Kat Steele, Mark Titus, Patrick Walsh
Salmon Nation
Salmon Nation extends from Northern California to the North Slope of Alaska. Here, diverse local cultures are forming growing movements toward healthy and regenerative systems.
Salmon Nation, the initiative, exists to accelerate a vibrant and growing movement towards healthier, localized, more regenerative economies and communities within this bioregion. Our region already is a hotbed of creativity and experimentation. Salmon Nation identifies who and what you need to know to invest time, energy, and money towards building a bioregion where people, culture and nature all thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to watch an event on-demand after it airs live?
Yes, we record all events and make them available after each event takes place.
How do I watch your sessions?
You will be able to view many of our sessions directly on our website and have the opportunity to ask questions in a chat. All sessions that require audience participation will be hosted on Zoom.
I would like to participate as a speaker in one of the events. How can I do so?
We love to hear from folks who are doing what works in their communities. If you have something you want to share at an upcoming or future festival, reach out to us.
I have ideas for events you could program. Can I submit them?
If you have ideas, feel free to send them to us.
How do you choose who participates in the Festival?
We work with a diverse planning committee from across the bioregion to help us brainstorm and plan our sessions. We plan to open up formal submissions in the next year.
Do you offer captioning for events?
We use Vimeo to stream our sessions, which has a live captioning function. For all participatory sessions, we use Zoom, which does not have live captioning at this time. All on-demand and recorded sessions will have captioning available.
What is your inclusivity policy?
We are committed to making sure the festival is a place where everyone is welcome and included regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, ability, economic status, or documentation status. For more information on how we do this, see details about our Community Guidelines and Community Care Team
Is the Festival a registered nonprofit?
The festival is an initiative of the Magic Canoe, a registered nonprofit in both the US and Canada.
Where are you based?
We are based in the Salmon Nation bioregion, which is the geographic area from Alaska to Northern California and everything in between. For more details on the bioregion, see the map of Salmon Nation.
How long are most events?
Events are 30 mins – 2 hrs depending on the topic and format. All sessions will note the start and stop times in the agenda.
Are events suitable for all ages?
Yes! There will be some sessions that explore complex topics, but there will not be any content that is inappropriate for young viewers.
Can I volunteer with the Festival?
Absolutely! We work with a committee each year to plan the festival. If this is something you are interested in, keep an eye out for our call for committee members in the winter. All committee members also receive an honorarium for their participation.
I love the Festival and I want to support! How can I help?
If you want to support the festival, thank you! Ways you can help are to join the planning committee, become a speaker, sponsor the festival, or share the festival and your favorite events with your friends and family.
How do you pay participants?
We pay all qualifying participants an honorarium based on the level of their participation.