Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival Code of Ethics Statement


Code of Ethics

Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival Society

Code of Ethics

For nearly 30 years, our Festival has celebrated nature, community, and creativity in the Columbia Valley. To keep this tradition strong, we ask all participants, presenters,
volunteers and partners to join us in following these guiding values:
 

Respect for Nature
 Tread lightly: leave no trace on trails and natural areas.
 Observe wildlife safely and responsibly.
 Help us reduce waste and keep the Festival green.

 Respect for People
 Everyone is welcome here. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion will not be tolerated.
 We acknowledge with gratitude that our Festival takes place on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples.
 We value diverse voices and traditions, and we honor them with respect and care.

 Integrity of Events
 Our guides, speakers, and artists share knowledge and creativity in a spirit of honesty and celebration.
 Wings representatives shall support nature based ethics.
 Contests and performances are run fairly and transparently. 

 Safety and Wellbeing
 Safety is our priority on hikes, excursions, and gatherings. Please follow guide instructions and event guidelines.
 Alcohol and social events will be enjoyed responsibly.

 Community Spirit
 This Festival is for and by the Columbia Valley community and for nature lovers everywhere.
 We support local businesses, artists, and organizations wherever possible.
 Feedback helps us grow — thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Together, we can make this Festival a safe, inclusive, and inspiring celebration of the natural world.

Values & Ethics Charter
Our Purpose
The Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival celebrates the incredible biodiversity, landscapes, and people of the Columbia Valley. Through education, art, and outdoor
experiences, we aim to inspire connection, conservation, stewardship, and sustainable appreciation of the natural world.

Core Values
1. Stewardship
We are caretakers of the land, water, and wildlife that define our region. Every action we take — from event planning to participant experiences — reflects our responsibility to conserve and protect these ecosystems for future generations.
 
2. Education & Inspiration
We believe that knowledge fosters connection. By offering accessible, engaging, and science-informed programs, we help participants understand and value the natural world, motivating them to act as stewards in their own communities.
 
3. Respect
We show respect for all living beings — human, animal, and plant alike. This includes respect for Indigenous Peoples and their deep cultural and ecological relationships with this land, and for each other through inclusive, safe, and considerate participation.
 
4. Collaboration
Our festival thrives on partnership — among volunteers, organizations, businesses, educators, artists, and the community at large. We value teamwork, shared goals, and mutual support that elevate collective impact over individual gain.
 
5. Integrity
We are guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision. Whether communicating with partners, managing finances, or representing the festival publicly,
we uphold the highest ethical standards.
 
6. Accessibility
Nature belongs to everyone. We strive to make our programs inclusive and accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, reducing barriers wherever possible to participation and understanding.
 
7. Sustainability
We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. From responsible materials use and waste management to sustainable travel and catering practices, we continually seek better ways to align our operations with our conservation message.  

 

Ethical Guidelines For Organizers and Volunteers


 Conduct all festival activities with fairness, honesty, and environmental awareness.
 Prioritize safety and inclusion for all participants.
 Protect the privacy of participants, sponsors, and fellow team members.
 Avoid conflicts of interest or behavior that could reflect poorly on the festival.
 Uphold a culture of kindness and gratitude — every person’s contribution matters.

For Presenters and Partners


 Share knowledge truthfully, accurately, and respectfully.
 Credit Indigenous knowledge systems and community contributions appropriately.
 Avoid promoting products or practices that harm ecosystems or contradict our conservation values.
 Ensure all field-based activities follow ethical wildlife viewing and environmental interaction guidelines.

For Participants

 Celebrate learning, curiosity, and shared appreciation of the Columbia Valley’s natural heritage.
 Follow Leave No Trace principles during all festival activities.
 Observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.
 Treat guides, volunteers, and fellow attendees with courtesy and openness.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Commitment to Indigenous Acknowledgment
Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival Society acknowledges that our festival takes place on the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc peoples, and the chosen homeland of the Métis Nation. We commit to ongoing learning, partnership, and respect in all our interactions with these communities.

Continuous Improvement
We recognize that our understanding of ethics and sustainability must evolve. The Wings over the Rockies Nature Festival commits to reviewing and updating this charter
regularly to reflect best practices, community feedback, and environmental realities.