February is a perfect time to cozy up with a good book or explore a new Instagram creator. But Black History is not limited to February, and it’s not just limited to history. Every day is a good day to challenge our biases, learn something new, and be part of the growing movement to not only recognize and fight the ongoing legacies of systemic racism, but also celebrate Black achievement and excellence – especially in the realms of nature, science, and the environment.
Check out these resources, and email us at [email protected] if you have more ideas and recommendations.
Black Outdoors – Dr. Jacqueline L. Scott’s blog, “where race, nature, and history meet”.
CBC Gem’s Celebrating Black History and CBC’s Being Black in Canada are both added to regularly and feature stories of Black Canadians who you might not otherwise know about.
Book recommendation: Consumed: the Need for Collective Change – Colonialism, Climate Change and Consumerism by Aja Barber
Book recommendation: The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas (Pssst – also check out the Intersectional Environmentalist website – it’s overflowing with resources – some are American or international, but still relevant and inspiring)
Here are a few more resources on Black History in Canada:
The Department of Canadian Heritage has some great resources;
Sustaining the Black Lives Matter Movement in the WorkPlace is an open resource by CCDI;
A Black Peoples’ History of Canada Project
Many of society’s ideas about who gets to experience nature and how, and what nature and land even mean, including ideas about ownership and property, are rooted in systems of colonialism and racism. As we break them down, we open up new ways to connect with the natural world — for everyone — and new ways to ensure that we collectively are able to preserve the lands, water, air and food that we all rely on, and are inextricably connected to.
Here are a few of our favourite podcasts for taking this journey:
It’s not a podcast, but What On Earth is a great CBC radio show focused on climate solutions. It features climate heroes of all backgrounds, and includes stories that aren’t being told in other media.
Looking for Black- and Brown-led outdoor experiences?
Check out:
Diverse Nature Collective in the Kawarthas
And learn more about farming at the Canadian Black Farmers Association.
Know of a resource or connection that should be here? Reach out to us at [email protected].
