Stories for Change
We seek to address the historic exclusion of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant, low-income, and other communities from outdoor and environmental spaces in Maine by sharing personal narratives.
We will publish a new collaboratively-created story each season, so watch this space!
Deen over Dunya:
The Courage to Jump in
"I was standing by the dock, and as the eldest child in my family, I felt the need to be brave, so I said “Yes, I know how to swim.”
On Savoring a Moment
"Evenings were filled with my grandmother’s stories under the stars. Not to put us to sleep, but to keep us awake while we waited for my aunt to make dinner. For us nature wasn't just where we lived, it was part of our lives, part of who we are and our stories."
On Land Access and Language on Wabanaki Homelands
"At one point...all humans shared these relationships and understood what that felt like. So I wish for all people to be able to experience that because it's truly healing and grounding."
Embodying a New Climate of Care
"Climate crisis is also a crisis of care, and one of the problems that we face is that we've stopped caring for each other."
Re-forming Our Relations
"I want to use these years well and be doing the work that is both meaningful to me and I hope would have a good impact on our human family."
Building a Life in Nature
"I saw homeschooling as an opportunity to fully embrace the outdoors"
On Poverty, Mutual Aid, and Healing in Nature
“I became very aware of my relationship with the outdoors because I was in the elements a lot in moments where I didn't want to be.”
On Nature, Accessibility, and Freestyle Biking
“I wish people would know that accessibility is a lot more than just what is in the law—but also what the spirit of what the law is.”
"I wish that people could be really fully engaging their senses in the outdoors, because I believe that it is transformative."
"I feel like that mythology that somehow there is some sort of inherent separation between us and nature– I think it's a false construction."
"There is nothing like getting to the summit of a mountain, drenched in sweat, looking out at the potential 360 view, and just sitting there and soaking it in."
"You know how they say that food tastes better when you're sharing it, when you're eating it with other people? I think the same thing is true if you are working together to get that food."
