Designed by Anna Sudit.Reasons Canada rules, Volume 83: Bass Coast, a dance music festival taking place in British Columbia, has put out a statement that it will ban feathered headdresses this year. The Guardian reports that Bass Coast announced the decision on its Facebook page, stating that, while it understand attendees' attraction to war bonnets' "magnificent aesthetic," it's important for them to respect the deep, cultural significance such garments represent to Native peoples. Especially since, as the post says:
"Bass Coast Festival takes place on indigenous land and we respect the dignity of aboriginal people. We have consulted with aboriginal people in British Columbia on this issue and we feel our policy aligns with their views and wishes regarding the subject. Their opinion is what matters to us."
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Currently, commenters on the Facebook page overwhelmingly support the festival's decision — which kind of makes us feel like we've been going to the wrong festivals. And, while we're sure some people will gripe that they're being "policed," we think Bass Coast's statement pointedly, and rightfully, asserts that festival revellers' fashion whims shouldn't trump basic respect.
Bass Coast Festival's statement clarifies that the ban will apply "to feathered war bonnets, or anything resembling them," and that festival security will be enforcing the policy. So, EDM fans, time to start making flower crowns. (The Guardian)