Our Policy Regarding Festival Participation

To All Participants in the Whitehorse Heritage Festival Society's Activities



We would like to remind everyone who is planning to participate in the Whitehorse Heritage Festival that the festival is a cultural event, not a political event. The purpose of the festival is to give Canadians, new and old, a chance to display their cultural heritage through crafts, fashion, food, song, dance, and so on. The festival is not to be used as an opportunity to deliver partisan political messages.



Last year's event was very successful as a heritage event. We did not have any serious problems, but our eyes were opened to the possibilities. We want the festival to remain an event that is enjoyable and respectful for every cultural group, as well as our sponsors.



Many of us come from countries that are embroiled in political confrontations or even overt conflicts over leadership. Some of our homelands have leaders that we do not like. Many of us who came to Canada are happy to leave these political issues behind us, while others choose to bring them to Canada and remain involved in them. That is your choice and your right. Please respect our choice: the Whitehorse Heritage Festival is about expressing our cultural heritage, not about expressing our political identity. Our goal is to increase understanding and respect for a diversity of cultural heritages. Political messages are competitive by nature and involve winners and losers so they are completely at odds with the purpose of the festival.



We learned from last year's festival that flags are inherently political symbols and do not belong in a heritage event. We therefore regret to say that for this year's festival the only flags officially on display will be Canadian flags. We respectfully ask that you do not put your flag or your "colours" on display at the festival. Bring your crafts, fashions, food, music, dance, legends and put on a good show!



The board of directors will not be "policing" this policy. We expect festival participants will use their good judgement and find respectful compromises when they are called for. Thank you for your cooperation.