OVERVIEW
We, at the WNDX Festival of Moving Image, recognize the privilege of operating an organization on the original lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininew, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.
We also recognize that formulaic recitations of land acknowledgements cannot capture the full picture of the harms inflicted on Canada’s Indigenous peoples by colonizers, both in the past and ongoing.
In this regard, we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of active reconciliation, collaboration and decolonization.
We want people of all gender identities, abilities, ages, cultures, and sexualities to feel welcome to participate in our space and programming, therefore any form of discrimination is not acceptable.
We will not tolerate violence, bullying, invasion of personal space, religious or cultural intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, sizeism, and language or behaviour that may perpetuate oppression.
CONFLICTS EXTERNAL TO WNDX EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
WNDX guests, participants and personnel may encounter one another outside of WNDX events and programming, in external arts projects or in the community at large, and it is possible for conflicts to arise in these situations. WNDX cannot become involved in resolving issues between individuals that take place outside of WNDX events and programming. Individuals are expected to respect the role of the organization and treat other WNDX patrons, participants and personnel professionally and with respect.
SUBSTANCE USE
WNDX prohibits substance use on its premises or during its events, outside of alcohol during licensed events. Individuals who are caught using or being under the influence of substances will be asked to remove themselves from the premises or event.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
‘Conflict Resolution’ refers to interpersonal conflicts, as well as individual incidents, that could potentially occur between WNDX guests, participants, personnel, or anyone else attending WNDX programs or activities. Resolving issues productively is important to us at WNDX and depending on the nature of the incident, the following protocol should be used to assist in finding solutions:
- First Incident – informal conversation attempting to address the issue as soon as it arises
- Second Incident – explanation of issue to WNDX staff and second conversation to address the issue (with staff)
- Third Incident – formal address to WNDX Executive Director or Chair, and subsequent meeting
- Fourth Incident – communicate conditions of continued participation and establish period of probation or withdrawal from program(s) or event(s)
Physical Violence – will result in an immediate minimum 3 month suspension and could result in permanent ban from WNDX programs and events.
Substance Use – individual will be required to leave WNDX premises.
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THIS POLICY
Depending on the incident and its impact on the person who experienced the harm or impact on the WNDX community, WNDX will take the following actions:
- Warning / Discussion: After the first incident, WNDX will issue a verbal and/or written warning to the offender and they may be asked to leave until the safety and security of the person who experienced the harm and/or WNDX community can be assured.
- Participation Revocation: A member may lose their ability to access WNDX programming, events, workshops and other services.
- Contracts Cancelled: Artists and performers being brought in to WNDX spaces may have their contracts canceled. WNDX reserves the right to nullify any agreement with any artist or presenter of any kind who does not comply with this policy.
- WNDX staff or board will discuss the incident/complaint, in confidence, with the accused and it will be up to the WNDX staff or board as to whether to offer a second chance to the accused. If the appropriate WNDX parties and the person who experienced the harm decide to allow the offender back, they will be given one warning.
- WNDX reserves the right to remove any patrons or guests who do not comply with this policy.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT
Should any guest, participant or personnel witness or experience anything in violation of this policy, please report it verbally or in writing to an appropriate staff or board members as soon as possible after incident occurrence. All reports will be completely confidential and anonymous.
Together, WNDX guests, participant and personnel must ensure that our professional, creative environment is psychologically and physically safe for all participants. Should any situation require it, authorities and/or emergency personnel may be called.
PROCESS OUTLINE
- WNDX will strive to create a fair and equitable resolution utilizing input from appropriate parties, including staff, board, the person who experienced the harm, and/or an outside resource.
- WNDX will endeavour to have a survivor-focused and procedurally-fair process, accommodating all parties while acting in accordance with the safety and security of everyone involved as priority.
- Complaints will be addressed confidentially, with information shared to others on a strictly need-to-know basis, and will include a follow-up proposed course of action.
- WNDX will initiate a response to the person who was harmed within seven days of the reported incident and will endeavour to address any complaints with care and respect in a timely manner.
- WNDX will offer an appeals process in the case of individuals affected by longer term suspensions or bans
We are committed to operating in open dialogue with the community. Your feedback matters to us. If you have any insights to help us better understand experiences of other marginalized identities, please let us know. This policy is a living document and is ever-evolving.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please send them to: info@wndx.org