about us
statement of place
We are a coalition of arts and environmental practitioners interested in promoting environmental stewardship in the Canadian arts and culture sector, and we have done so by adapting an arts and culture-specific carbon calculation tool created by the UK organization Julie’s Bicycle to the Canadian context. We are committed to equity and inclusion within artistic and environmental spaces, and we want to acknowledge that Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, groups and organizations) cultures and peoples, as well as all marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental policies.
Through this work, we have an opportunity for us to de-centre the Western perspective most commonly held in environmental spaces and learn from Indigenous environmental stewardship and knowledge systems.
where are we from?
We want to acknowledge that our work in Tiohtià:ke, also known as Montréal, takes place on the unceded and unsurrendered Indigenous lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka/Mohawk Nation, and that our work in Tkaronto/Toronto takes place on the traditional territory of many nations including the the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee the Heron-Wendat, the Metis, and the Mississaugas of the Credit; the current treaty holders. Individuals and organizations from all over the country have contributed to this project and the Creative Green Tools will eventually be available to everyone on the part of Turtle Island that is also called Canada – a home to many, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We are committed to keeping this land clean and safe for all.
why we do what we do
We want to fully develop and disseminate Creative Green Tools Canada to arts and culture users throughout the country, across sub-sectors of arts and culture. We want to do this within a framework of accessibility and equity, while fostering environmental stewardship.
The Creative Green Tools allow arts and culture organizations to understand and reduce their negative environmental impacts, and facilitate inclusive conversations with users by presenting environmental issues through an intersectional lens. The CG Tools will also contribute to increased societal benchmarks of inclusivity by meeting web accessibility standards, and being accompanied by programming designed to support IBPOC groups and other marginalized communities, such as hosting workshops and events that amplify a diverse range of perspectives.
We will advocate to our community for reconciliation and unlearning by engaging in ongoing relationship development and learning with Indigenous communities, Indigenous-led organizations and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, thus deepening our understanding of the concerns and priorities of Indigenous artists and allowing us to produce more equitable programming.
who helped us with this work?
Since its inception, this project has been supported by a coalition of organizations and stakeholders in the Canadian arts and culture sector whose contributions have been invaluable:
Quebec Drama Federation (QDF) led the initiative from the beginning, securing funding for the first two phases of development, completing thoughtful research and consultation work, promoting the project within their community, and overall bringing it to life.
Climatable joined the QDF in securing funding for the second phase of the project, supported the web development and Indigenous consultation activities, and brought their climate policy expertise to the table.
Conseil québécois des événements écoresponsables (CQEER) helped us promote the project, build new bridges within francophone communities, increase the quality of the Creative Green Tools, and provided immense support to the core project team throughout the process.
Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts (CSPA)’s long standing relationship with Julie’s Bicycle laid the foundation for the project and their commitment to supporting the Creative Green Tools program in the long-term will make it possible to plan for the future.
Julie’s Bicycle has provided guidance throughout this project thanks to their extensive knowledge and unmatched experience of engaging arts and culture practitioners in environmental stewardship.
Naheyawin’s warmth and exceptional work carrying out a national, multi-disciplinary engagement strategy allowed for a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge and culture, and paved the way for new and strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities.
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) supported the project by coordinating with its members – who are some of the core future users of the Creative Green Tools – and provided knowledge dissemination and convening opportunities through its conference and town hall meetings.
Écoscéno shared resources, statistics and best practices for measuring the impacts of material waste and reuse with the project team, and enhanced the quality and visibility of the project, particularly within francophone communities.
The Arctic Cycle’s care and generosity led to new relationships, deepening understanding and higher quality deliverables.