Why Outdoor Access Matters for BIPOC Youth
The Unique Experiences of BIPOC Youth
When we think about childhood and adolescence, the outdoors often comes to mind, for instance summer hikes, skating on frozen ponds, camping under the stars. Yet for many Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) youth, these experiences are not part of their reality.
The outdoors is not just a backdrop for recreation; it is a powerful tool for growth, healing, and community building. Research shows that time spent in nature reduces stress, improves physical health, and fosters resilience. The American Psychological Association (2020) found that children and youth who spend regular time outdoors show higher self-esteem, lower levels of anxiety, and stronger social skills. Albeit the benefits are universal, just not universally accessible.
The Reality of Inequitable Access
Across Canada, youth from racialized and marginalized communities face systemic barriers to outdoor participation. A Journal of Leisure Research (2021) study revealed that BIPOC youth often report feeling unwelcome in parks and outdoor spaces due to discrimination, stereotyping, or a lack of representation. Cost is another barrier: equipment, transportation, and program fees create financial obstacles that disproportionately affect low-income and racialized families.
In Calgary (Mohkinstsis), these barriers are not abstract; in fact, they are lived experiences. Many youth express that they have never been invited or encouraged to explore natural spaces, even when those spaces are geographically close. Without intentional inclusion, the outdoors becomes a symbol of exclusion.
Representation Matters
Representation is a cornerstone of inclusion. When youth see leaders who share their cultural identity, they are more likely to feel that the outdoors is a place where they belong. The Outdoor Industry Association’s Diversity Report (2021) confirmed that representation increases engagement and retention in outdoor programs. For BIPOC youth, seeing adults who look like them leading hikes, climbing trips, or camping excursions can shift the perception of who belongs in nature.
The Bigger Picture: Global Calls for Action
This is not just a local issue. It is a part of a global conversation. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being) recognize equitable access to recreation and green spaces as essential for youth development. Similarly, UNICEF (2021) highlights how lack of access to extracurricular and outdoor activities widens social inequality.
Canada itself has acknowledged this gap. In 2022, Parks Canada released statements on the urgent need to diversify park use and make outdoor experiences more inclusive for underrepresented communities.
Why Programs Like MTN Matter
This is where organizations like the Multicultural Trail Network (MTN) step in. By breaking down financial, cultural, and systemic barriers, MTN empowers BIPOC youth in Mohkinstsis/Calgary to experience the outdoors on equal footing.
From hiking and camping to rock climbing and skating, these programs are more than activities. Essentially they are pathways to self-discovery, leadership, and belonging. Each trip is a reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone.
A Call to Action
If the benefits of nature are proven, and the barriers are well-documented, then the solution is clear: we must invest in programs that connect BIPOC youth to the outdoors. Donors, volunteers, and community allies have a chance to shape futures, not just by funding programs but by helping rewrite who belongs in nature.
When youth discover their strength on a trail, around a campfire, or atop a mountain, they are not just building outdoor skill sets; they are building confidence, contributing to the community, and investing in hope.