Indigenous Leadership in the Outdoor Industry
CLIENT
INDIGENOUS WOMEN OUTDOORS
TIMEFRAME
09/2020 - ONGOING
SERVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITING, STRATEGY
Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO) is a non-profit organization that aims to bring Indigenous women* out on the land in a safe and enjoyable way. *IWO is an inclusive space and women refers to gender expansive community members.
In 2018, Sḵwxwú7mesh youth Myia Antone sparked an important dialogue about the gaps she was observing in the outdoor industry, successfully turning the heads of some big brands. BIPOC, particularly Indigenous women and youth, experience more barriers to getting out on the land. Myia’s vision is to create a space where Indigenous women can find healing, connection, and leadership in the outdoors. We’re working alongside IWO to produce Reclaiming the Land, a series of interviews with Indigenous women that explores different ways of connecting with the land.
“I hope this series can empower Indigenous women to try different activities to connect with the land, and to see pieces of themselves reflected through another Indigenous woman’s story.”
—Myia, Founder of IWO
CH.01 / RECLAIMING THE LAND
On a particularly stormy week at the end of October, the clouds managed to make way for an afternoon of conversations and canoeing. The backdrop of the city hung in the distance as Myia Antone, Founder of IWO, and Lenaya Sampson, Outdoor Guide & Teacher, settled on a large washed up log near the edge of the water. The sea lapped at their feet as Lenaya reflected on her connection to land and water.
“An amazing article that outlines the incredible personal story and adventure Lenaya and the many other incredible women take when they connect with the land and their inner potential. Very well written too.”
—Jeff W., Fireside Adventures
MORE WORK: OBABIKA, HUNTER & HARE, FED, ALL