SLOW THE FOLK DOWN
This is our growing hub of dreamers and doers: makers, artists, service providers, and supporters who share our love for indie publishing, the arts, and slow, intentional living.
Angela Dione paddles a red canoe in the Salish Sea, from the cover shoot for The Salt Volume. Photo by Syd Woodward.
CommunityFOLK celebrates the people, products, and places shaping a slower, more connected way of life. Browse by location, industry, and shared values.
Each feature supports the future of FOLKLIFE and helps keep our online stories free to read.
Join our email club to learn about new CommunityFOLK members.
the story
We’re excited to introduce CommunityFOLK—a new digital FOLKLIFE space that highlights the kinds of businesses we want to see thrive: small, independent, values-aligned, and rooted in community.
Flavour-filled condiments for people who love to eat, share, and entertain. Small batches, all-natural, simple ingredients. Proud to be a woman-owned, living-wage employer on Salt Spring Island.
By Island & Location
Discover makers, brands, and businesses from across the Gulf Islands, Canada, and beyond.
By Values
A spotlight on those doing things differently, or from different backgrounds. Woman-owned, BIPOC-owned, LGBTQ2S+, Minority-owned, Living Wage, and more.
Shop Online
Some CommunityFOLK offer online services, or ship their products across Canada, the US, and beyond. Support them from wherever you are.
Retail & Shopping
Independent boutiques, galleries, and brick-and-mortar favourites where you can shop in person and discover what’s local to you.
Food & Beverage
From local farms to kitchen staples, these are the folks feeding us well—with intention, flavour, and care. Food brands, beverage makers, or producers who sell to customers online, in-store, or at events.
Cafes & Restaurants
Community-rooted gathering places serving food, drink, and connection. From cozy cafés and farm-to-table restaurants to island bakeries and beloved neighbourhood spots.
Things to Do
Experiences, destinations, galleries, tours, local offerings that welcome visitors.
Travel & Adventure
Stays, gear, guides, and places to explore—this is for wanderers, island hoppers, and those dreaming of the next adventure. Travel destinations or experiences tied to getting away.
Artists & Makers
Crafted by hand, heart, and heritage. A home for painters, potters, designers, and creatives sharing their work with the world. Craftspeople, musicians, and multi-disciplinary makers.
Home & Garden
From cozy interiors to wild backyard dreams. Tools, makers, and services for living with beauty and intention—indoors and out. Designers, brands, or businesses offering home goods, plants, furniture, or services, including Realtors and others.
Wellness & Apothecary
From herbalists and skincare formulators to breathwork guides and natural remedy makers. Spas, practitioners, and everything related to slow living for your body and soul.
Books & Print
Fellow Publishers, bookstores, authors, and printmakers who keep the written word alive—and in beautiful form.
Capturing whatever the folk our community creates—art, food, music, adventure, and meaningful stories. A window seat to the west coast, no matter where you’re reading from. Be inspired. Embrace a simple purpose. Get out there.
Elisa Rathje has a fire to light. Photo by Stasia Garraway.
JOIN THE FOLKLIFE COMMUNITY
No noise. Just stories that might make you laugh, cry, and look inward.
