Nature’s Tapestry: Weaving Diversity & Accessibility into Outdoor Experiences (BIWOC Outdoors Trip)
Détails du projet
A summer of tailored outdoor activities for Black, Indigenous, Women of Colour, fostering environmental awareness, inclusivity, and healthy living through water, air, and land while breaking financial barriers and promoting equity.
Description du projet
This project aimed to create a safe, inclusive space for BIWOC youth to learn and engage in outdoor recreational activities. Many BIWOC youth face significant obstacles in accessing safe and inclusive outdoor experiences due to financial constraints and systemic inequalities. These barriers often prevent marginalized and low-income youth from enjoying the physical and mental health benefits that come from engaging with nature and participating in outdoor activities. By tailoring programs to these demographics, the project ensures that those who are frequently excluded from such opportunities are given priority.
The project itself included a rounded trip to Montreal from Toronto. All meals, accommodations and travel for all participants were covered, thus allow youth to remove any financial stressors are focus on the experience of the trip. Participants had the opportunity to engage with elements of outdoor recreation through land, water and air through archery, hiking, garden exploration, farm and animal visits, swimming, canoeing, top rope climbing. Participants also had the opportunity to workshop about DEI and climate led by other Ocean-Wise Ambassadors!
Participants left feeling a sense of belonging which was safe and empowering that broke down stereotypes and barriers to outdoor spaces and made inclusive diversity a lived reality.
Quel a été votre plus grand défi ?
Everything needed to be precise, well-timed, and executed perfectly. With outdoor recreation activities, health risks are an immediate concern, leading to significant repercussions if not properly managed. Ensuring everyone’s safety, comfort, and accommodations was crucial to providing a valuable experience. This required extensive preparation and research on my part to guarantee that everyone remained safe throughout the event.
Quelle est la leçon la plus importante que vous ayez apprise ?
Trips like this are not just needed—they’re in high demand. The sense of community that blossomed in just a few days was truly remarkable, creating something incredibly special. The bonds formed and friendships made will extend far beyond this trip, providing ongoing support as we face challenges together. The demand was overwhelming, but due to limited capacity, not everyone could join. I hope that in the future, we can expand and include more people each year, ensuring that this experience is accessible to all who seek it.
