Lawnya Vawnya is a non-profit, independent art & culture festival that takes place in Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland). Lawnya Vawnya values the safety of our staff, volunteers, artists, and attendees. Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Lawnya Vawnya regardless of their ability, age, ancestry, culture, ethnicity, national origin, race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, size, family status, religious beliefs or affiliations.

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We aim to create and support an environment that allows the freedom of creativity, expression, and communication but not at the harm or alienation of others. We have implemented this policy to help ensure we meet the needs of our community.

Lawnya Vawnya respectfully acknowledges the land on which our festival takes place as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk. We also acknowledge the island of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) as the unceded, traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq. We acknowledge Labrador as the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Innu of Nitassinan, the Inuit of Nunatsiavut, and the Inuit of Nunatukavut. We strive to be responsible stewards of the land and for respectful partnerships with all who call it home.

Lawnya Vawnya does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour includes but is not limited to ableism, ageism, cultural appropriation, fatphobia, homophobia, oppression, physical or sexual assault, racism, sexism, transphobia, unsolicited touching or attention, and violence.

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Lawnya Vawnya holds a zero tolerance policy for physical, sexual or verbal abuse/harassment, theft, and acts of aggression that impact the safety of others. Participation in this behaviour is grounds for immediate removal from a Lawnya Vawnya event.

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No one should feel unsafe, unwelcome, or uncomfortable at our events. Lawnya Vawnya is committed to survivor safety and holding those who display abusive or discriminatory behaviour accountable.

If you are in need of support, assistance, or would like to report an incident at a Lawnya Vawnya event please speak to a volunteer or staff member. All staff can be identified by their Lawnya Vawnya lanyard at every event.

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We will do everything we can to mitigate, assist, and respond to a situation. However, we recognize that we do not have the professional expertise or authority to respond to all conflicts but can assist you in contacting the appropriate trained professionals.

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All reported incidents will be dealt with on a case to case basis and can be communicated at any time. However, we recommend reporting incidents as soon as possible so appropriate measures can be taken promptly and effectively.

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If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a Lawnya Vawnya staff or volunteer member, crisis and emergency support contact information is posted in each washroom and available at the merchandise table of every event (listed below). All of Lawnya Vawnya’s merchandise tables double as a support resource area, including crisis, emergency, and long term support contact information, ear plugs, phone chargers, and naloxone kits.

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End Sexual Violence NL Support and Information Line

1-800-726-2743

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First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line

1-855-242-3310

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Provincial Lifewise Warm Line

1-855-753-2560 or 753-2560

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Crisis Text Line

YOUTH text CONNECT to 686868
ADULTS text WELLNESS to 741741

NL Health/Mental Crisis Line

811

Each year Lawnya Vawnya works with community based organizations in the facilitation of a variety of staff and volunteer training to help ensure safe, respectful, and inclusive events. Current training is provided by The Journey Project (Project SoundCheck), Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), and First Light.

Lawnya Vawnya uses a variety of venues in St. John’s and throughout the province each with differing accessibility. Details outlining each venue’s wheelchair access, seating, and washrooms can be found HERE.

Lawnya Vawnya guarantees the programming of a number of free events each year including pop-up shows, music crawls, record and press fairs, workshops, and discussion panels.

Lawnya Vawnya uses a variety of venues in St. John’s and throughout the province each with differing combinations of gender neutral, gendered, multi, and single stall washrooms. Details outlining each venue’s washroom information can be found HERE.

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All our policies will be updated as we continue to learn ways to improve the safety and inclusivity of our festival. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the safety and inclusion of Lawnya Vawnya please get in touch with us at info@lawnyavawnya.com