How to make the outdoors more welcoming to all

 

Webinar Summary

ORCBC’s January webinar is a companion to the ORCBC’s latest resource: Outdoors For All: An Inspiration Guide for Creating Welcoming Outdoor Spaces. Produced with support from the BC Parks License Plate Program, the guide is a collection of background information and case studies that show there are many benefits to working on making your corner of the outdoors more inclusive and diverse and that it doesn’t have to be expensive or hard. Plus, there are huge rewards for the people involved and for the groups that put themselves out there.

Watch the webinar Recording

Download Outdoors for All: An Inspiration Guide for Creating Welcoming Outdoor Spaces

Panelists

  • Jennifer Wigglesworth is an assistant professor and equity researcher at the University of Northern British Columbia. She’s done some really interesting work on the power of naming features like rock climbs. Jennifer.Wigglesworth@unbc.ca 

  • Saša Loggin is the Executive director for Skeena Diversity Society, a group that helps welcome new Canadians to the Terrace area, including introducing them to the outdoors. sasa@skeenadiversity.com

  • Tomke Augustin helped implement diversity efforts with the Tri-Cities Off-Road Cycling Association. She is also the new Grants Program Manager with the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. grants@orcbc.ca


Why it’s worth working on making the outdoors more welcoming and inclusive?

  • 30% of British Columbians immigrants. 25% are racialized

  • 27% have some form of disability

  • 10% identify as 2SLGBTQ+

  • Mission of most outdoor clubs includes inclusive language, like “for all”. 

  • Public spaces, like parks, trails, beaches and waters belong to all British Columbians

  • Feels good to share your passion with newcomers

  • Benefits outdoor clubs with new members, volunteers, leadership funding sources and new perspectives and ideas

  • Everyone will need more accessibility at some point in our lives

Where to start?

  • How can you support a group that already works with marginalized groups? Ask community and others what can you do better. TORCA asked to donate proceeds from an online auction to Colour the Trails. That led to hosting introduction to mountain bike events for marginalized individuals new to mountain biking.

  • Partner with other groups with similar goals. BC Parks Learn to Be In Nature events partner with local multi-cultural society and partner with local outdoor clubs.

“There’s a huge difference between “all are welcome” and “this was created with you in mind” – Dr. Crystal Jones on X

Start by addressing major barriers to access:

  • Transportation - often need a car

  • Experience - knowledge and comfort with wildlife, weather, skills

  • Cultural practices - jargon, dietary restrictions, social attitudes

  • Equipment - access to expensive equipment needed for activities

Language and communication:

  • Names of climbs or trails sends message about who belongs. 

  • Use simple and easy to understand words and language in your communication.

  • Avoid jargon.

  • Ask how you can help accommodate different needs

  • Be explicit in welcoming all, for instance, use gender neutral language.

  • Be explicit when inviting specific targeted group: “…people who haven’t camped before…”

    Not everything about making the outdoors more diverse, equitable and inclusive is systemic, expensive or hard. Something as small and easy as changing a name or moving a picnic table can roll out a big welcome mat. - Outdoors For All

Links

  • Climb the Gap: group working to change offensive rock climbing names

    Colour the Trails: business working to make the outdoors more welcoming to marginalized groups

    Becoming Ruby: film about a black, woman mountain biker’s experience

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Questions, comments, or webinar topics you would like to see? Email us at info@orcbc.ca

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