Much defines Yellowknife. In terms of signature events, it would be the SnowkingSA国际影视传媒檚 Winter Festival during the cold season and when summer is in full swing, itSA国际影视传媒檚 Folk on the Rocks (FOTR).
Both events had been on hiatus due to the pandemic. But Folk on the Rocks makes its highly-anticipated return this weekend SA国际影视传媒� the 40th edition. Many Yellowknifers are eager to indulge in the live music and socialization on the shores of Long Lake.
Of course COVID-19 is still leaving its mark on the event. FOTR staff, vendors and volunteers will be wearing masks and the public is encouraged to do the same as they make their way around the site SA国际影视传媒� masks will be available on location.
Another impact of the virus is that there wonSA国际影视传媒檛 be a high-profile headliner from the south this year. Past festivals have featured celebrated acts such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bruce Cockburn, Jim Cuddy and Sam Roberts.
This yearSA国际影视传媒檚 festival is going to put the spotlight on local and Northern performers from the top of the lineup to the bottom. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 just fine with many of us. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 been a while since weSA国际影视传媒檝e been able to enjoy live performances from the likes of the talented Leela Gilday, Carmen Braden, the Jerry Cans, Laurie Sarkadi, Wesley Hardisty and many others.
Hats off to Folk organizers for finding a way to make this happen, particularly in light of the hurdles posed by COVID-19.
Now, this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 event isnSA国际影视传媒檛 without controversy.
Eugene Boulanger, AKA Young Dene, wonSA国际影视传媒檛 be taking the stage. Boulanger, from Tulita, was removed from the program earlier this week due to multiple allegations of SA国际影视传媒渟exualized violence and assault,SA国际影视传媒� according to FOTR executive and artistic director Carly McFadden.
SA国际影视传媒淲e always want to believe survivors. If several people are coming forward and saying SA国际影视传媒榯his happened to me,SA国际影视传媒� thatSA国际影视传媒檚 something we canSA国际影视传媒檛 ignore,SA国际影视传媒� CBC quoted McFadden as saying.
Boulanger expressed his disappointment to CBC, stating that he believes in transparent justice and looks forward to an opportunity to restore his reputation.
None of the accusations has been proven in court. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 not even confirmation that the police are investigating.
Some Yellowknifers believe in being innocent until proven guilty, and would argue that FOTRSA国际影视传媒檚 treatment of Boulanger is an example of the opposite. That said, this is 2021 and itSA国际影视传媒檚 become commonplace for the accused to face the music in the court of public opinion well before a court of law renders a judgment, and that is often accompanied by immediate consequences.
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 up to each individual to decide whether this issue was handled appropriately. Some residents may choose to boycott the festival as a form of opposition. Others will agree with the actions taken.
Regardless, the rest of the show will go on despite the public flap.
If Environment Canada is to be trusted, Mother Nature is going to be cooperative. The forecast for the weekend is sunshine with temperatures peaking around 20 C, which is plenty comfortable.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, relish it and be safe.
