We recognize that our programming takes place on unceded Sḵwx̱ú7mesh, Líl̓wat, səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories.
Our Mission
To ignite a spirit of empowerment, resilience, and connection among Indigenous women* by providing them with the opportunity to explore and excel in outdoor sport activities. We believe that when Indigenous women* embrace the natural world as a source of inspiration and connection, they can tap into their inherent strength and cultural wisdom to learn more about themselves and embark on paths to healthier, more enriching lives.
As we age, embracing new outdoor activities not only brings joy but also vitalizes our well-being, keeping us active, engaged, and connected to nature. Together, we empower Indigenous women* to break barriers and redefine what's possible through outdoor adventures, fostering belonging, respect, and empowerment in our communities.
Our Purpose
We believe that all Indigenous women* deserve an invitation to heal, share, and learn.
Our Vision
We envision Indigenous leaders rising together, celebrating land and culture.
OUR VALUES:
COMMUNITY: We believe in the transformative power of community. We recognize that it is within the connection we form and nurture that we find strength, support, and shared purpose. In community, we take care of each other.
SAFETY: We prioritize the well-being of all, fostering a safe and inclusive community where everyone feels respected and supported in their outdoor pursuits. As well as the physical safety we provide in the outdoors involving proper gear, terrain awareness, and emergency readiness to mitigate risks.
IMPACT: We are dedicated to creating tangible and positive change in the lives of individuals and communities we serve. Our actions are guided by a profound respect for the natural world and a responsibility to preserve it for future generation, as we think about our environmental impact as well.
GENEROSITY: Our guiding vision is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of West Coast potlatch systems, which were founded on principles of generosity and community support. Just as these traditions emphasized sharing wealth, resources, and goodwill, we are dedicated to fostering a spirit of generosity within our community.
Our Commitment:
Cultural Respect: We honour the diverse traditions, knowledge, and histories of Indigenous communities. We recognize the communities on whose territories we run programs on and hold space for their members to join us to ensure participation that is rooted in respect.
Outdoor Access: We strive to eliminate barriers that prevent Indigenous women from accessing outdoor sport activities. We provide resources, gear, and training to make these opportunities accessible to all.
Personal Growth: We believe in the transformative power of outdoor adventures. Through activities such as backcountry skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and more, we empower Indigenous women to discover their inner strength, develop leadership skills, and build self-confidence.
Community Building: We create a supportive and inclusive community where Indigenous women can connect, share stories, and learn from each other's experiences. Together, we forge lasting bonds and become a source of encouragement for one another.
Environmental Stewardship: We emphasize the importance of responsible outdoor recreation and environmental conservation. Through education and action, we instill a deep appreciation for the natural world and the need to protect it for future generations.
Advocacy: We advocate for Indigenous knowledge to be at the forefront of outdoor safety and resources. We would like to see more Indigenous names being used for outdoor spaces as these names hold important value for the land they sit on. We want to amplify the voices of Indigenous women within these spaces too.
Holistic Wellness: We recognize that well-being encompasses mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Our programs are designed to promote overall wellness, helping Indigenous women thrive in all aspects of their lives.
*Indigenous Women Outdoors is an inclusive community. Women* refers to gender expansive community members (cis women, trans women, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender queer community members, and any women-identified community members)