CODE OF CONDUCT

Welcome to the Ness Creek Music Festival! We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, including attendees, artists, vendors, staff, and volunteers. We aim to foster an environment where all individuals can feel welcomed, valued, and able to fully participate without fear of harassment, discrimination, or harm. Our Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behavior, actions we will take to address violations, and the procedures for reporting incidents. We believe in fostering a community where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels respected and valued.

Our Commitment

We are dedicated to:

  • Inclusivity: Embracing and celebrating diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, and religion.

  • Safety: Providing a space where everyone feels safe and supported.

  • Respect: Promoting respectful interactions and behavior among all festival participants.

  • Zero Tolerance for Harm: Upholding a strict policy against any form of harassment, discrimination, or harmful behavior.

  • Accountability: Ensuring those who violate the policy are held accountable for their actions.

  • Support: Offering resources and assistance to anyone who feels unsafe or experiences harassment.

Expectations for Behavior

To create a positive and safer environment, we ask all attendees, performers, volunteers, and staff to:

  • Respect Others: Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. Be mindful of your words and actions.

  • Inclusivity: Actively include and welcome people from diverse backgrounds and identities.

  • Listen and Learn: Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your behavior if someone expresses discomfort or concern.

  • Positive Participation: Engage in the festival activities in a manner that is respectful and considerate of others.

  • Culture of Consent: Value and respect the autonomy of every individual and their ability to know their own needs, desires and limits. It is remembering that sexuality is an expression of desire and mutual pleasure, not a relationship based on power dynamics.

  • Responsibility and Professionalism: Adhere to festival policies and conduct yourself in a manner that reflects the values of Ness Creek Music Festival.


Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors (both online or in person) are not tolerated at the Ness Creek Music Festival:

  • Harassment: Including but not limited to verbal, physical, or sexual harassment, stalking, and intimidation.

  • Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic.

  • Violence: Any form of physical aggression or threatening behavior.

  • Inappropriate Conduct: Any behavior that makes others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, such as unsolicited physical contact, unwelcome sexual advances, or derogatory comments. This includes but is not limited to: ableism, ageism, cultural appropriation, fatphobia, harassment, homophobia, physical or sexual assault, queerphobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, unsolicited touching or attention, and violence.

  • Cultural Appropriation: Including the wearing of culturally inappropriate attire, such as Indigenous-inspired regalia by non-Indigenous attendees, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Similarly, any outfit that is culturally appropriative, displays hate symbols and perpetuates racism and stereotypes is not permitted.

Reporting and Response Procedures

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this policy, please report it to a festival staff member or area coordinator immediately. Our process is designed to ensure that complaints are handled promptly and with the utmost confidentiality. 

  • Ways to Report an Incident:

    • Contact festival staff, coordinators, or volunteers wearing official lanyards or uniforms.

    • Visit the Information Booth, First Aid Tent, Ticket Selling Booth, Campground Host Station or hired Security for assistance.

    • Use the designated Incident Report Form (available at the event).

    • Email us directly at admin@nesscreek.com or humanresources@nesscreek.com, or give us a call at the Ness Creek Office 306-652-6377 to report any issues.


  • Incident Investigation: All reports will be reviewed by festival management, who will take appropriate action based on the severity of the violation. Investigations will be handled discreetly and with respect for privacy.


  • Support for Affected Individuals: We are committed to offering support to anyone who has experienced harm, including connecting them with local services or resources for further assistance. If you do not feel comfortable approaching staff directly, please note that crisis support and resources are available at our Safe Haven and First Aid spaces.  These areas will also be stocked with essential safety supplies such as ear plugs, naloxone kits, and other harm reduction materials. Information about these services and supplies will be posted at the Information Booth/Volunteer Services, bathrooms, food court, and ticket selling booth. After the festival, if you need further support or want to discuss issues related to the Code of Conduct, you can:


  • Outcome and Follow-Up: Following an investigation, appropriate actions will be taken, which may include removal from the festival, termination of contracts, or other disciplinary measures. Affected individuals will be kept informed of the outcome, to the extent possible.

Consequences for Policy Violations 

Violating this policy may result in the following actions: 

  • Immediate Removal: Any individual engaging in unacceptable behavior will be removed from the festival grounds and will not be eligible for a refund or compensation. 

  • Termination of Contracts: Artists, performers, vendors, volunteers or partners found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior may have their contracts terminated without compensation or notice. This includes behavior that occurs before, during or after the festival.

  • Permanent Ban: Individuals who repeatedly violate this policy or who cause harm may be permanently banned from attending or participating in future events. 

  • Case-by-Case Review: In some cases, second chances may be considered, based on the severity of the incident, the nature of the harm, and any educational or restorative efforts taken by the individual. Such decisions will be made at the discretion of the Ness Creek Music Festival management, in consultation with any affected parties.

Accountability for Artists, Vendors, and Staff  

Ness Creek Music Festival holds all artists, vendors, staff, and volunteers accountable for their actions, both at the festival and in any related activities. We reserve the right to terminate any relationship, including but not limited to performance contracts, vendor agreements, and volunteer shifts, if:

  • Evidence of Harm: A pattern of harmful or discriminatory behavior is identified, whether reported before, during or after the event.


  • Failure to Comply with Policies: An individual or group does not adhere to the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct.


  • Impact on the Festival: The individual or group’s conduct is found to negatively impact the safety, well-being or integrity of the festival and/or its participants.


Volunteer and Staff Conduct

All volunteers and staff are expected to actively support the Code of Conduct by:

  • Recognizing and addressing harmful behavior: If you witness or are made aware of any unacceptable behavior, please act immediately to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

  • Providing assistance: Volunteers will be able to direct you to people with the proper training to provide assistance.

Emergency Procedures

In case of emergencies, such as severe weather, medical issues, or other urgent situations, the festival has clear protocols in place. Please refer to the emergency instructions posted at key festival locations (e.g., Information Booth, Campground Host Stations). Festival Staff and Coordinators will assist in guiding you to safety or providing help as necessary.

Commitment to Improvement

We are continually working to improve our Code of Conduct and welcome feedback from our community. If you have suggestions or concerns, please let us know. Your input helps us create a better and safer environment for everyone.

Contact Information

For immediate assistance or to report an incident, please see the following people:

Thank you for being a part of the Ness Creek Music Festival community and for helping us create a safe and inclusive environment for all. 

Resources

The below list has been provided for your convenience and is subject to change. Ness Creek is not affiliated with the organizations listed below. Should you encounter any outdated or inactive entries, we kindly request that you inform us. 

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

As a member of the Ness Creek Community I promise to “Maintain The Magic”. I will:

  • Adhere to the culture of consent

  • Take Pride in what I do

  • Respect myself, others and the earth

  • Take Ownership of my actions

  • Embrace our Multicultural, multigenerational and diverse community

  • Create an Inclusive and safe environment

  • Support equitable practices

  • Protect the Ecology of the boreal forest