September 4: Cultural Landscape Training Path

Topic: Cultural Landscape Training Path: Increase Respect for the Land

The Cultural Landscape Training Path is a free and public tool created for professionals in land management, more importantly, those who wish to encourage larger involvement of Indigenous partners in projects on Ancestral lands. This tool consists of a collection of story maps, each story map is designed to guide the reader to resources that can inform new projects with opportunities built in for Indigenous partnerships. The Cultural Landscape Training Path links the user to a variety of Indigenous authored resources, highlights projects spearheaded by and for Indigenous communities, Indigenous media outlets, and introduces six driving principles to building projects and partnerships that can include, without the performative allyship, Indigenous partners at all steps. Perhaps most importantly, the Cultural Landscape Training Path introduces the user to the concept of unlearning, which is understood in this training as the "practice of resistance and intentional undoing" as a necessary step towards decolonization (Kessi, Marks, and Ramugondo 2020, 271). Though, often a scary concept, the self-paced nature of the Cultural Landscape Training Path integrates unlearning into the everyday action of seeking information, and knowing which resources are responsible and inclusive in its output. This resource helps hikers understand the steps being taken by professionals to open their hearts and minds to Indigenous ways of being, creating a better future for cooperative land management, and realizing what role they can play in this process.

Story map co-author, Valery Serrano-Lopez, will introduce us to the tool and share how it has been used by professionals in land management, but also how it is applicable to anyone who is interested in learning more about Indigenous perspectives.

In addition:

• Have a chance to win giveaways from Gather Nuts.
• Donate money during registration to support the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, the organization building a strong community of CDT volunteers, enthusiasts, and supporters who want to see the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) completed and protected.
• Have a conversation with other intentional hikers about the topic *read more about the conversation code below.

For this event 2/3 of the donations will be given to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, and 1/3 will support the event series. *Donations will appear as a second "ticket" in your order **Donations are not tax deductible unless made directly to a registered non-profit organization.

About the Speaker

Valery Serrano-Lopez is a first-generation Colombian immigrant, who moved to the states with her family when she was younger. She is currently the Partnership Liaison Specialist for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, working for the Rocky Mountain Region. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and is working towards completing her Master of Arts and Science in Biology. Currently her masters research is concentrating on the relationship between students of color and the outdoors, finding a connection between outdoor inquiry programs and a student’s confidence in science. Her studies have allowed her to better understand her community, acknowledging the barriers and finding ways to connect underrepresented communities to the outdoors and its potential careers.

FAQ

• A recording of each event (excluding the conversation portion) will be uploaded to the Intentional Hiking YouTube channel.
• Each recording will be accompanied by a Conversation Kit which will help you have a discussion on the event's theme with friends and family.

Conversation code

• Please engage in these conversations with curiosity, an open mind, and respect.
• Lead with kindness and compassion.
• Listen to understand; not reply.
• No judgement, no advice (unless specifically asked for)

Non-profit Partners

• Each guest can choose a non-profit partner of choice to feature during the event.
• Attendees can raise money for the non-profit during the registration process by giving a donation.
• Donations will be split evenly between the guest, non-profit partner, and host.

Gear Giveaways

• Events will feature gear or product giveaways from new or cottage hiking brands.
• Need to be present to win.

Event Duration

• Each event will last between 60-90 minutes

Event Link

• The zoom event link will be sent after registration.
• If you do not receive your link at least one hour before the start, please email renee@longdistancetrailconsulting.com