What's happening: Northern Michigan University will host its first-ever BIPOC Outdoors Summit & Rest Retreat, focusing on a joyful and inclusive nature-based experience. Welcome to all audiences, many of the workshops, keynote speakers and discussion sessions will focus on creating inclusive opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) through established programs in other parts of the country, using multiple forms of media to promote the outdoors to new audiences and indigenous culinary development.
The idea was created through NMU Assistant Vice President for Opportunity, Empowerment and People Shawnrece Butler and alumna Alice Jasper to inspire more students to immerse themselves in the Upper Peninsula’s natural environment and resources.
Outdoors inclusion: Despite an increase in outdoor tourism and recreation opportunities across the state, enjoying the great outdoors does not equally transfer to all demographics. According to the Michigan Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Plan in 2018, African American and Latino residents in Michigan participated roughly 25 percentage points lower than White Michiganders. Those numbers are bad, but slightly better than national averages, according to the National Park Service.
A lack of interest from various demographics in outdoor recreation can also create unique barriers within the workforce. According to Bridge Detroit, 19 of every 20 employees in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is white. Connecting students and young adults to outdoor economic development could expand employment opportunities and increase Michigan's attractiveness to young professionals.
What they're saying: “There are three main barriers that make the outdoors less inclusive than it could be,” Shawnrece Butler, assistant vice president for Opportunity, Empowerment and People, said. “Financial resources is one, because a lot of activities, adventures and related gear are not cheap. The second is awareness and knowledge. There are multiple groups that help people learn about the outdoors and enjoy things they've never done before in community with others, but people don't always know they exist or actively seek them out. Finally, nature has not always been a welcoming space, particularly from the historical perspective of people of color being chased through the woods or hung from trees, so the outdoors could have a legacy of fearfulness around it that has to be demystified for some groups.”
What's next: The two-part event is set for early August, beginning with an on-campus summit set for Aug. 4-5. A three-day retreat at Raging River Campground will follow from Aug. 6-8. Details, including the full itinerary and sign-up information, are available at
nmu.edu/bipoc-outdoors.
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