The Cascadian Bioregional Flag Trust
Protecting the Cascadian Flag as a bioregional symbol. Approved Seller Directory and Anti-Defamation League.
https://cascadiaflag.info
The Department of Bioregion is excited to partner with Alexander Baretich and the Cascadian Flag Cooperative, Inc to help protect the Cascadia flag as a symbol for the Cascadia movement, and to make sure it continues to represent the values of bioregionalism long into the future. To do this, we are creating the Cascadia Flag Directory, a program to steward the use of the flag and ensure it remains free and open for movement supporters, while also making sure it cannot be co-opted by corporate or anti-bioregional interests. This means ensuring quality standards for products using the flag, and helping grant permission for commercial use - which will directly support the artist and creator.
About the Flag
The Cascadia Doug flag is a symbol for the natural beauty and inspiration that the Pacific Northwest provides, and is a direct representation of the bioregion.
Designed in 1994 by Portland native Alexander Baretich, the blue of the flag represents the moisture-rich sky above, and the Pacific Ocean, along with the Salish Sea, lakes, and inland waters. Our home is a place of continuous cascading waters flowing from the Pacific to the western slopes of the Rockies and Cascades where water cycles back to the Pacific. The white represents snow and clouds, and the green represents the evergreen forests and fields of the Pacific Northwest. The lone-standing Douglas Fir symbolizes endurance, defiance, and resilience. All these symbols come together to symbolize what being Cascadian is all about.
“The Cascadia flag conveys something more tangible than an abstract concept of demarcation of space. It is not a flag of blood nor of the glory of a nation, but a love of the bioregion; our ecological family, natural boundaries & the place in which we live & love.”
– Alexander Baretich
A Bioregional Symbol
The Cascadia Flag represents the value of bioregionalism, and building healthy, bioregional movements and communities. It is not a flag of nationalism, or division or exclusion, but rather, one of thousands, of the different communities, ecoregions and watersheds that make up our movement and organization.
We hope that as a bioregional symbol, every community, ecoregion, watershed, business and cause will adopt and adapt the Doug Flag to their own purposes in line with these bioregional values. By using the Doug Flag, and the green white and blue, we show a shared regional identity, and that we share common beliefs, dreams and principles. The Cascadia Doug flag is also a symbol against hate. The Cascadia movement works to partner with and create a safe space for frontline and traditionally marginalized communities and voices. We reject all forms of hate, prejudice, and believe in an inclusive movement, that shows the beauty of this region, it’speople and our incredible diversity.
We reject racism, hate, fear, sexism, white supremacy, or any type of discrimination based on sexual orientation, religion, personal beliefs or choices, and these stances are reflected at every level. We look forward to building a coalition movement that empowers every person and community, and provides space for indigenous, POC, and traditionally marginalized communities, and of course the millions of amazing Cascadians who live here, to advocate with their own voices, find solidarity and support, and break down boundaries which are harmful and negative.
Use the Flag
The Cascadia Doug Flag is a symbol that represents the Cascadia Movement and our bioregion. It is a grassroots, and people powered brand for every person interested in protecting our bioregion, improving our livelihood, and helping make the world a better place. If wanting to use it for commercial purpose make sure to reach out for permission.
We are Cascadian, and together, we are the Cascadia Movement.
