Zine Fest: Building Enough for All Futures was an inspiring event held on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty to draw attention to the issue of poverty in Calgary. Hosted in collaboration with the Calgary Public Library, this gathering brought together over 140 community members to experience stories rooted in lived experience. The evening was filled with expressions of creativity and art for social change.

Elder Wanda First Rider reminded the audience that hope is essential, especially in times of challenge. Hope, she said, is what keeps us moving forward, and it grows when we come together as a community. This sentiment resonated throughout the event, as each contributor demonstrated the power of collective action and how relationships with one another create the abundance we need. Iih kanii tai staiiwa, everything is there.

The event featured powerful performances, including spoken word, song, poetry, and theatre by Luke Little Chief, Sage Cannon and her team, Zenon, and Erin Dingle, each shedding light on the complexities of lived experience. Their words and performances stirred deep reflection on the realities people face, while also instilling hope for a brighter future.

A core part of the event was the unveiling of the Enough for All Community Zine Mural, created through 17 workshops held across Calgary from June to September 2024. These workshops sparked vital conversations about social challenges, futures thinking (imagining what could happen in the future and coming up with ideas and plans to make good things happen), and the transformative power of art.

Through zines, over 160 contributors expressed their visions for a more just and equitable society, reminding us that art can not only communicate ideas but also inspire real change. The mural stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, shared experiences, and the commitment to building enough for all futures.

We can build a future where everyone has enough.