Outdoor Allyship
Many people encounter ability, racial, gender, economic, and education inequalities when accessing outdoor spaces which can affect their physical and mental well being. While the QOFEI team members are not experts in these fields, we are committed to continue learning as we grow. Below, we have compiled a list of resources from organizations that focus on EDII, outdoor education, and accessibility. Some of the content and topics discussed in the provided reading list can be triggering to some people and we encourage everyone to prioritize their mental health while accessing these resources.
Learn More
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The Fieldwork Initiative has resources and reading lists to learn about the challenges faced (e.g., racism, ableism, homophobia, gendered violence, harassment) in fieldwork, and academia in general. You can also find episodes of their Field Stories Podcast, among other resources.
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Melanin Base Camp’s Guide to Outdoor Allyship discusses privilege, racism, and ways to become a better ally in outdoor spaces
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The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has made available digital copies of reports, including their 94 calls to action
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Queen’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives has many resources about Truth and Reconciliation, decolonizing, and indigenizing. They also have a guide to being an ally, among other resources.
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The American Hiking Society has put together resources concerning racism in the outdoors, including a reading list, and people and organizations/businesses to follow.
Reading list
Papers
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Scott J and Tenneti A. (2021). Race and nature in the city: Engaging youth of colour in nature-based activities. A Community-based Needs Assessment for Nature Canada.
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Haelewaters D and Romero-Oliveras A. (2019). In fieldwork, other humans pose as much risk to LGBTQIA+ people as the elements. But there are steps allies can take to help.
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Anadu J, Ali H, Jackson C. 2020. Ten steps to protect BIPOC scholars in the field.
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Kingsbury CG, Sibert EC, Killingback Z, & Atchison CL. 2020. “Nothing about us without us”: The perspectives of autistic geoscientists on inclusive instructional practices in geoscience education
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Abeyta A, Fernandes AM, Mahon RC, & Swanson T. E. (2021). The True Cost of Field Education is a Barrier to Diversifying Geosciences
Books
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Carolyn Finney. (2014). Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors