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The 6th Annual Feminist Fair is just around the corner!

First and foremost this event takes place on unceeded, unsurrended Algonquin Territory:
We stand together as feminists on this unceded and unsurrended Algonquin Anishinaabe Territority. We pay our respects to the land that still remembers the First Peoples and holds the memories of the atrocities committed against them; and like the land, we remember. We acknowledge our sisters in spirit who stood here before us and the legacy of resilience that we carry, with respect and humbleness.
(Land Acknowledgement by Becca Migwans)

This event is a vendor’s craft market, fundraiser, and showcase for several non-profit organizations. It is ALL AGES, pay what you can (no one turned away for lack of funds!), with proceeds going to local feminist initiatives! More info to come! Event poster is by the lovely Scatterbee.

Some things you can expect from our vendors include buttons, pins, patches, jewelry, clothing, bags, books, zines, prints, art, donuts, plants, and more! Come support local artists! In addition to vendor tables, there will also be tables promoting the work done by local non profits & grassroots organizations. It is a great opportunity to learn more about some of the work done to support womxn and queer folks in Ottawa.

Two-thirds of monetary donations collected at the doors will be going towards the Young Womyn Project (a program of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa ie Sexual Assault Support Centre Ottawa). One-third of monetary donations will be going towards Feminist Twin’s 2020 events.

As per usual, we will be accepting toiletries for the STORM (Street Team Outreach Mobile) from Minwaashin Lodge! Visit www.minlodge.com for more information on their program.

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Why: This event raises awareness about local businesses/ initiatives (many of which are womxn led) and also create a space for folks and families to hang on a Sunday! Think of it like a really cool social justice oriented craft fair (with snacks!). Also we ask that people make a donation at the door. It could be 1$, it could be 10$, and it’s also okay if you are not able to donate. If you are not able to make a donation, we still want you there! If you are able to donate, funds goes to support local initiatives and they will appreciate your support.

Who: The Feminist Twins are (actual) twins living here in Ottawa and we like to promote womxn and safe(r) space and events and cool people. We are basically a two person cheerleading squad (minus the pom poms). Kayla put on the first Feminist Fair five years ago at Pressed and since then we have expanded it! We hope to make this year’s Feminist Fair the biggest and more inclusive and accessible fair yet. This year, to make the fair more reflective of more voices, the 6th annual Feminist Fair is directed with the support of a steering committee. They help us to build upon our core values and create a fair which continues to be as accessible and family friendly as possible (within budget). They also helped us go through applications, organize volunteers, and are overall amazing.

Where: This year we have moved to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. Lansdowne has paid, underground parking. We suggest parking in or near the yellow zone, as that is the closest to the fair. Bus routes #6 and #7 both stop at Lansdowne.

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Accessibility:

– We’re doing it again! Free pizza lunch on site. Please note that pizza will be served at NOON and it is *first come first serve*. We will be asking that folks just take one slice at a time to ensure everyone there at lunch will have some pizza (There will be gf & vegan options as well!) If you have food restrictions we will do our best to accommodate but we need to be notified before October 13th. Pizza is made by our pals at Little Jo Berry’s!
– Unfortunately we cannot guarantee a peanut free/nut free space so please use discretion if you buy food onsite or have pizza.
– There will be childminding this year on site. This means children will be attended to in the same space as the fair, and will be given crafts and coloring books. To sign up for childminding, you will fill out a form on site.
– Please be aware of scents (perfumes, body spray, etc) and how they may affect others. Keep all scents to a minimum.
– Please do not take pictures of people without their consent.
– If you are feeling unsafe for any reason, please speak to a volunteer. They will be wearing name tags.
– Washrooms will be gender neutral.
– There will be a henna artist this year! We suggest that if you plan on getting henna art done, to save it for last as we want to avoid wet henna coming into contact with vendor items.
– Aside from pizza lunch, there will be a donuts, and other snacks available for purchase.
– There will be some seating available.

Security and Safety:

Last year, we really messed up when it came to folk’s safety. We had worked with a police officer for other events, and through miscommunication, that officer came in uniform and triggered a lot of folks. We apologize and have strived to do better. With information and discussions from our amazing steering committee, and from feedback from our Community Consultation (which was in July), we have decided to have security on site. Please note that the security company policy is that they are in uniform so they can be identifiable to those who need assistance. Having security on site will eliminate the need to have police, should an incident arise.
But why have security at all? Safety concerns around abusers have come up to us, as well as anti-feminist groups. Because we have moved to a bigger, public space, it’s not possible for just us and volunteers to monitor the space.

We will also have peer support on site from the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC). More info to come.

If you have any questions or comments about this list, please feel free to email us at feministtwins@gmail.com. We are happy to discuss anything mentioned above.