The outdoors are for everyone, yet there remains many barriers for participation.
For those who fall outside of the white, male, able-bodied, outdoor-enthusiast spectrum, feeling at home in nature can be difficult.
A lack of diversity in the outdoors doesn’t equal a lack of interest. Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities, with historic discrimination being a large underlying factor. Acknowledging past discriminatory behaviours and correcting them is a critical first step in ensuring equity in these spaces.
We have to show people that they belong here too, and we all have a part to play in making these spaces more inclusive. Because creating spaces were we gain a sense of belonging is essential to increasing diversity, inclusion and growing the outdoor community. It is vital in changing traditional narratives surrounding participation in outdoor recreation.
Better representation is also key toward protecting our landscapes, for conservation and restoration of our shared planet.
In order to create equitable diverse and inclusive spaces we must educate ourselves. Learning about people’s histories (finding the buried histories, too), recognizing the patterns and effects of ongoing colonialization. We need to think critically about the political actions that have taken place and continue to exclude and systematically discriminate against racialized groups. we must take time to learn and reflect on these histories so that we can change these patterns.
We must also embrace one another for our differences and come together to create change in our communities. So that we can make our outdoors a better place for everyone!
For those who fall outside of the white, male, able-bodied, outdoor-enthusiast spectrum, feeling at home in nature can be difficult.
A lack of diversity in the outdoors doesn’t equal a lack of interest. Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities, with historic discrimination being a large underlying factor. Acknowledging past discriminatory behaviours and correcting them is a critical first step in ensuring equity in these spaces.
We have to show people that they belong here too, and we all have a part to play in making these spaces more inclusive. Because creating spaces were we gain a sense of belonging is essential to increasing diversity, inclusion and growing the outdoor community. It is vital in changing traditional narratives surrounding participation in outdoor recreation.
Better representation is also key toward protecting our landscapes, for conservation and restoration of our shared planet.
In order to create equitable diverse and inclusive spaces we must educate ourselves. Learning about people’s histories (finding the buried histories, too), recognizing the patterns and effects of ongoing colonialization. We need to think critically about the political actions that have taken place and continue to exclude and systematically discriminate against racialized groups. we must take time to learn and reflect on these histories so that we can change these patterns.
We must also embrace one another for our differences and come together to create change in our communities. So that we can make our outdoors a better place for everyone!