The legacy and ongoing harms of white supremacy, colonialism, heteronormativity and ableism has made it so that 'Outdoor Adventure' is a very white, cis dominated space.

From personal safety to inaccessibility both physically and financially, there are many barriers to participation in Nature.

We know the benefits of being outdoors for our bodies, minds and hearts. We feel that this experience and communion with nature ought to be safe and easily accessed by every person on Earth.

The benefits of connecting with nature are abundant, certifiable and cannot be revoked from the human experience. From expanding empathy, to communing with fellow creatures, breathing in fresh air, becoming wonderstruck and connecting to the physical and emotional aspects of nature is something each of us has a right to experience.

"Connection to the land and doing outdoor activities are integral for mental, spiritual and physical health. Studies have shown that nature-based recreation can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, while increasing cognition, restoration and overall well-being. This connection with the outdoors through nature-based activities also informs and encourages us to take action to combat the climate crisis. But that assumption — that the Canadian outdoors is a white and male space — persists, creating barriers, whether emotional or physical, for racialized, female-identifying, disabled and recently immigrated individuals."

-Alia Yousef 'Purpose and Power: Meet 10 BIPOC adventurers challenging who belongs in the outdoors.' Aug. 21, 2021

There are many ways to dismantle the dominant narrative of who belongs in the outdoors. Making it a safe space for folks starts with self-education. Exploring and confronting our own privilege leads to an understanding of how we uphold the oppression of others. This is an ongoing task that takes commitment and the ability to adapt to challenge and change.

Informed advocacy and allyship flows from here. Support local and national organizations run by and made for racialized folks, queer folks and differently abled folks. Use your vote as your power to make it known that locally and beyond access to nature and a clean environment is a matter of policy. Ask existing local groups how they might aim to be more inclusive, work together to dismantle internal and external barriers based on race, gender, sexuality and ability.