On Nov. 29, 2024, the Open Mountains Project Society hosted its third annual fundraiser, bringing the Revelstoke community together to enjoy thought-provoking mountain films.
Inclusivity and diversity in a rural mountain town
Founded in 2016 by Association of Canadian Mountains guide, researcher and president of the board Rachel Reimer, the Open Mountains Project Society (OMP) seeks to break down barriers in rural mountain communities and foster inclusivity in mountain spaces. The organization primarily helped local youth “access mountain sports in a safe way, both physically and psychologically,” Nat Segal, professional skier, producer, ally and OMP’s operations manager explained.
One of the early initiatives, Daily Dirt Mountain bike program, guides youth from 12 to 18 years old to gain mountain biking abilities in Revelstoke.
In 2022, OMP shifted its focus to increasing access to the outdoors for under-represented communities through tailored programs.
“Our main focus for the last two years has been on 2SLGBTQI+ and BIPOC programs,” Segal said. “Mountain sports need to be more inclusive in general but especially towards marginalized communities, and our organization’s goal is to help take down those barriers.”
OMP continues to invite and encourage youth participation in its diverse programs, connecting them with representatives of their identities and living environments, including guides and adult instructors who can inspire their journeys.
From winter to summer programs, the organization aims to provide a comprehensive year-round offer and spread the word about OMP’s activities. Still, Segal explained that obtaining funding for diversity and inclusivity programming has been more difficult than when only focused on youth.
“As many grants don’t fund operational funding, it can sometimes be difficult to provide consistent programming. We require operational funding to run our programs year-round and grow our services,” she pointed out.
Currently supported by the Columbia Basin Trust‘s Resident Directed Grants, Avalanche Canada and other grants and donations from partners, OMP hopes to gain sustainability and consistency in its budget to better plan, run programs year-round and foster a community.
At the end of November 2024, the OMP annual meeting welcomed three new board members, and 13 of the current 78 nonprofit members were present. During the evening, attendees shared feedback and ideas on keeping interested parties informed and involved and reaching a more diverse audience.
Segal highlighted the importance of building memberships and mentioned the success of the second Mountain Pride event in spring 2024, noting its popularity but also the need for expanded outreach to engage better with the community.
With a strong representation of Queer, trans and ally individuals on its current board, Open Mountains is committed to improving representation within its leadership, membership and event participants as a long-term goal.
In B.C., more inclusive outdoor nonprofits and programs have been available in recent years, such as Incluskivity, Colour the Trails, Belay all, IndigWomenOutdoors or more locally Girls Do Ski. While OMP tends to prioritize local folks from the Interior region for its programs, others from the Vancouver and Calgary area have shown interest, spotlighting a constant need despite more programs opening.
“That’s also connecting communities together,” Segal added. “I think being part of what we want to create is people knowing that Revelstoke is also a place where they are going to feel welcomed whether they are here for sports or culture.”
Securing funding and expanding outreach efforts
For OMP’s last fundraiser of the year, folks gathered at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre to watch six short movies offering various perspectives on what inclusivity can mean within the mountain sports world or in a rural mountain town.
Before and after the screening, participants had an opportunity to talk with other local organizations working towards more inclusivity within the community and learn how to get involved.
Fundraising events, along with partnerships and donations, ensure that OMP’s programs remain free or low-cost for participants who face discrimination and barriers to inclusion. The ticket revenue from the film evening will support a three-day Queer Trans BIPOC Winter Camp, organized from Feb. 21 to 23, 2025.
OMP’s winter programming for this season also includes an AST1+ course scheduled for Jan. 4 and 5, which has been made possible by grant funding from Avalanche Canada and MEC.
“Our hope is to run consistently the program that we have been doing so far – two winter programs, the Mountain Pride event in June and the Daily Dirt youth program,” Segal told the Mountaineer. “But on top of that, we want to add more summer programs and continue to secure sustainable operations funding.”
Segal shared hopes and excitement about the upcoming years. Feeling supported by other local nonprofits, businesses and outdoor organizations, she emphasized the collaborative spirit infused in Revelstoke.
“There are ways to connect people to people in our community and open discussions. I think there is more need for caring and understanding, for us to be compassionate at the end of the day.”
More details on the events and registration can be found on the Open Mountains’ website.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you
