Whole Earth Festival Public Statement 

Dear festival goers & community members,

As organizers of the 56th Whole Earth Festival (WEF), we are writing to acknowledge and sincerely apologize for instances of cultural insensitivity and appropriation that have occurred throughout the history of this festival. Our staff have reflected on all criticisms and feedback and we understand that aspects of our event have at times commodified and misrepresented cultures of marginalized communities.

Whole Earth Festival was founded in 1969 as an art project centered around environmental stewardship, wellness and activism. Since then, WEF has grown into a cherished gathering welcoming over 30,000 people every Mother’s Day weekend at the UC Davis Quad. We are deeply appreciative of this growth and believe that as organizers, we hold a responsibility to reflect critically on our practices. While the festival's intentions were rooted in the interconnectedness of humanity, we also understand that cultural appreciation without the proper consent can cause harm. We acknowledge that some art and vendor practices in the past have appropriated elements of Indigenous, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latinx, and Middle Eastern cultures without honoring the communities those practices originate from. We also recognize that, fundamentally, these actions contribute to ongoing cycles of erasure and exploitation of cultures.

As the Whole Earth festival moves forward, we are committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the center of our organizing efforts and setting these foundations for future staff next year. This means listening to and uplifting communities most impacted by cultural appropriation and systemic injustices, as well as directly collaborating with cultural practitioners to ensure representation is rooted in respect and consent. We are also actively evaluating our programming, policies, and partnerships to align with these DEI principles. Our process for choosing craft vendors, food vendors, and entertainment  involves thorough vetting from a perspective of fair representation and a commitment to our values.

We are very sorry to those who have felt disrespected or harmed at any point by our event. The community and festival goers’ feedback and courage in speaking out have led us to prioritize growth. We accept that trust is rebuilt through consistent action over time and not just words. WEF has always been an evolving space and we believe that includes transforming ourselves and our organization's values. Our commitment to sustainability is not only limited to our planet, it is also about sustaining the stories, relationships, and rights of individuals who inhabit it. We thank you for holding us accountable and for being a part of this journey towards justice and healing.

In solidarity and with humility, 
The 56th Whole Earth Festival Staff