Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
As an outdoor organization actively impacting participation in outdoor adventure programs, we are committed to ensuring a culture that is defined by diversity and inclusion. We acknowledge and welcome our responsibility to examine, reflect upon, and meaningfully respond to the racial disparity present in the outdoor community and its effects on our procedures and programming.
We have established a working group of DEEP board members dedicated to furthering the racial diversity within the demographic of DEEP scholarship recipients. Our efforts are grounded in collectively designed terms of reference and in the 3R’s Framework - both of which reflect the evolving and continuous nature of this work.
We recognize the importance of methodological flexibility and of adjusting our approaches in response to lessons learned along the way. We welcome feedback and questions, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Where We Are Now
Updates from DEEP’s Diversity Working Group
Founded in our own research and self-education efforts, as well as in conversations with Black-owned-and-operated outdoor organizations, we have created two new scholarships. They are: the Outdoor Educator Career Development Award, and the Pathways to Diversity in Participation Award.
The Outdoor Educator Career Development Award
Each year, DEEP will award the Outdoor Educator Career Development Award to one applicant and support that applicant for three summers as they navigate NWL programming. Upon graduation from this program, the awardee will be equipped with a skillset including trip planning, navigation, advanced whitewater paddling, group dynamics psychology, conflict resolution, and group facilitation skills. Finally, DEEP will fund the awardee with a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue course (should they choose to engage in and complete them) .
For a full description of this scholarship, including who is eligible and how to apply – please click here.
The Pathways to Diversity in
Participation Award
Each year, DEEP will award the Pathways to Diversity in Participation Scholarship to 3 participants. These individuals will join an NWL section on a 3-week canoe trip beginning in Temagami, Ontario, and will participate in an experience focused on developing self-awareness and self-confidence, all while creating a community based on support, risk, and the space to be one’s authentic self.
For a full description of this scholarship, including who is eligible and how to apply – please click here.