This message was sent out to the Alberta Mailing List from the Regional Contacts:
Hello Alberta Burners
We acknowledge that this is a difficult and emotional time for us all. The announcement of Freezer Burn’s cancellation this year has greatly impacted our community in many ways. We are currently in a period of rapid change, one that requires patience and collaboration. Now more than ever, we need to lean into dialogue rooted in respect and care, rather than allowing frustration to create division.
Who are we? We are the Alberta Regional Contacts, part of the global Burning Man Regional Network. Part of our role is to help extend the culture of Black Rock City beyond the annual event and into our local community. As long-standing community members, we are deeply passionate about the ethos and principles of Burning Man and committed to fostering a thriving, year-round culture here in Alberta. We are here to inspire creativity and participation.
Our local Burning Man community was created by those who had gone to Black Rock City and had felt inspired to bring that spirit, creativity, and culture home. When it all began in Alberta, there wasn’t a non-profit, a board or any governing body. We were just Burners building and creating for ourselves and others.
Over time, community members felt like layers of organization and governance needed to be added to protect the community and the assets. The League of Extraordinary Albertans was the first Burner community non-profit society to emerge in Alberta, but more followed in the wake, as some of the big camps and art collectives also created their own non-profits, driven by the same intentions.
The community is not a specific regional event, or a specific group. It is built by those who build it. It’s a collective of everyone who shows up in all the various ways that make our community unique, whether it’s building art, producing an event, designing a sticker, sharing food, participating, volunteering, or performing, the list goes on.
We encourage you to continue to try to build our community through whatever means you desire or are able. Create intimate gatherings, host a public service event, throw a party, or organize a pub night. This is how we have always built our community. Step by step, interaction by interaction. If you need advice, encouragement or support in how to do these, please reach out to us; we’re available to you, our community members.
Right now, as emotions are running high and opinions on the best path forward feel especially strong, let’s remember to lead with kindness. There’s another burner and volunteer on the other side of every conversation, someone who, at their core, wants the same thing you do: a strong, safe community. You just may disagree on how to get there, but you are aligned in caring deeply about the outcome.
Your Alberta Regional Contacts,
Dree, Tukk, Robin
You can email us at alberta@burningman.org
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