About Us
Outdoor recreation and nature connections provide a multitude of benefits including improving mental and physical wellbeing, increasing social connections, promoting spiritual connections, and improving cognitive functioning. However, research has shown that BIPOC communities in particular face greater barriers to accessing nature and have a decreased likelihood of accessing all these amazing benefits that nature has to offer.
The Multicultural Trail Network firmly believes that all youth should have the advantage to connect with nature and grow, improve, and benefit from our great outdoors.
Our Objectives
Expose participants to new outdoor activities through a range of experiential opportunities, with an emphasis on learning and practicing basic outdoor skills.
Connect participants to diverse community members acting as role-models and near-peers through a Volunteer Assistant Leadership program.
Build self-esteem and confidence in youth by providing a supportive and encouraging environment to learn, practice and master new skills.
Foster a sense of community and belonging by hosting events for youth, their family and community members.
Address financial barriers by providing subsidized registration fees on a sliding scale.
Our Mission
The Multicultural Trail Network is driven to support the health and wellbeing of diverse youth through social and recreational experiences in the outdoors.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every youth is able to enjoy physical, mental, and emotional wellness, free from any discrimination.
Land Acknowledgment
As we live and operate on the unceded lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations), we acknowledge that we are all Treaty 7 people. We acknowledge that within 4 days of poorly translated ‘negotiations’ these Nations lost access and rights to just over 97% of their traditional land that had spanned from Red Deer, to Medicine Hat, and south to the American border. The signing of this treaty not only took control of land, but it signified the start of colonial efforts to decimate Indigenous cultures, livelihoods and identities. Through their lengthy fight to be recognized and acknowledged, we highlight that this land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
It is only through the resilience and strength of Indigenous people that we, as settlers, are being called in to be a part of a reconciliation process. This process is heavy, and it is heartbreaking. This country has dark truths, which must come to light so we can find a path forward together. This requires intentional efforts to learn from and connect with Indigenous communities. As first (and .5) generation Canadians, we have a responsibility to ensure everyone, engaging with our programs, understands the history of this land and the effects of the colonial systems still in place today. We are all Treaty people. We all have a part in reconciliation.