Webinar: Decolonizing Outdoor Spaces

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

The Wilderness Committee and the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC host a webinar about the true context of outdoor spaces here in BC, and how to ensure outdoor recreation activities are done with respect for Indigenous protocols and laws. This event features speakers who will discuss the history of these lands and waters, the role of Indigenous communities in stewarding the places enjoyed by all, and the responsibility non-Indigenous outdoor leaders have to incorporate this knowledge and respect Indigenous rights.

Speakers:

  • Gisele Martin is a language educator and Tribal Parks Guardian from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
  • Mariah Charleson is an outdoor educator from the Hesquiaht First Nation and vice-president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council.
  • Jared Qwustenuxun Williams is a writer, educator and traditional foods coordinator for Cowichan Tribes

Gisele, Mariah and Jared have all worked in outdoor spaces, written about and advocated for Indigenous land rights, the history of places within their territories and disparities of access to outdoor spaces and barriers for Indigenous people.

The three share important points and lessons for those of us working in outdoor spaces and striving to do better. Our hope is that this webinar will inspire people to put some of these lessons into practice and build a community of outdoor leaders working to improve outdoor recreation and its role in Indigenous territories.

More from this campaign