The Adäka Cultural Festival would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. Be on the front lines and immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere while celebrating the cultural riches ‘From the Land'. Register to volunteer with us today!
Sign up to be a volunteer with our online registration form or print off the PDF and email it to us or drop if off at our office.
With over 150 Indigenous Artists, over 80 hours of mainstage performances, a world class gallery and giftshop, 40+ artistic workshops, artist demonstrations and more, volunteers are an integral part of the Adaka Cultural Festival’s success each year. Our volunteer base ranges from students to senior citizens and includes local volunteers and those who travel long distances to be a part of this annual celebration. A passion for arts and culture brings our artists and volunteers together; many return year after year. This year the Festival celebrates the 2019 UNESCO International year of Indigenous Languages and will also explore how our connection to land has shaped our art, identity and language.
The festival will require 65+ volunteers starting on June 27th running through to July 5th. We ask that volunteers be a minimum of 14 years of age and contribute a minimum of 8 hours of their time to the festival. Volunteers receive a festival T-shirt and a $1 credit for every hour worked, which can be used towards workshop registration fees or gallery / gift shop purchases. Volunteers who work over 15 hours will receive an Adäka water bottle.
We strongly recommend that new volunteers attend our volunteer orientation meeting on June 26 at 6pm at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre (pizza and beverages will be provided).
Once registered, please attend our volunteer orientation on Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. We will just be showing you around the Festival site, introducing you to the staff and giving a quick run down on your roles. Don’t worry, dinner will be provided!
Enjoy yourself! Have fun in the creative atmosphere and high energy that surrounds our Festival. Let our artists know that you respect and enjoy their talents and let visitors know that they are welcome.
Introduce yourself as a volunteer. Be familiar with activities and get to know the artists, staff and other volunteers. Be friendly, help answer questions, or help them find someone who can.
Please be understanding in that although we try our best to schedule you in the area you would prefer, we may have to move you around according to where you are needed most. Our Festival is a fast-paced, dynamic environment and a little flexibility can go a long way in ensuring it runs smoothly.
Be attentive! Little things count. Helping to straighten chairs, wipe tables, pick-up garbage, or simply lending a hand when someone is stressed or needs help – it can make a world of difference!
Please show up for your volunteer shift on time. If you realized you’ve scheduled yourself in for a shift that you are unable to work, please try your best to let us know 24 hours in advance.
Please note that although some experience may be considered an asset for some positions, it is not necessary and some additional training sessions can be provided if needed!
Welcoming and directing festival guests, promoting the Festival program, conducting visitor surveys, keeping count of visitors, checking tickets for ticketed events, and basic administrative support.
Knowledge of Whitehorse and Yukon First Nations and an outgoing personality is an asset.
Assisting with organizing artwork for inventory and pricing before and after the Festival, basic gallery security, and conducting sales of gallery artwork.
Gallery, retail, and sales experience is an asset.
Setting up and maintaining attractive merchandise displays, conducting sales of merchandise, selling event tickets, managing workshop registration, and handing out artist’s accreditation packages
Experience with retail and sales is an asset.
Upholding the festival’s commitment to keeping the festival a clean and creative space for artist and visitors by helping with garbage and recycling and general clean-up.
Setting up and maintaining the artist/staff/volunteer hospitality room, making coffee and tea, putting out and preparing basic food platters, and assisting with serving and preparing for special events.
Food Safe certification is an asset.
Working with the Children’s Programming Coordinator to deliver crafts and activities to children during the festival.
Set-up and take-down for the Festival, moving chairs and tables to set-up for performances and events, odd jobs, staff support and filling in any position where help is needed.
Note: some heavy lifting may be required.
Assisting with setting set-up and take down for different performances on the Main Stage and cultural presentations throughout the building, assisting with seating elders, keeping count of visitors, basic security, keeping the fire exits clear, and general performance support.
Food, service, set-up, take down, and general assistance for special events throughout the Festival. Special events include the opening and closing ceremonies, artist reception, and the community feast.
Acting as a host in the artist studio tent. Ensuring that the artists have everything they need and directing the public and giving them information on the artists.
Assisting the staff with airport and hotel pick ups and drop offs, running errands off site, giving artists short tours around Whitehorse.
Note: driver’s license required and own vehicle to use is an asset.
Assist the volunteer coordinator in training and orienting new volunteers. Introducing volunteers to staff leads and determining volunteer needs in different positions.
Note: this position is geared towards experienced Adäka volunteers.
Please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mairi Fraser, if you have any questions. She can be reached at: