Treading Respectfully: Cultural Sensitivity in Trail Planning
Jen Bellhouse is the Executive Director of the Shuswap Trail Alliance, a not-for-profit organization located on the Traditional Territory of the Southern Secwepemc First Nation in British Columbia. The Shuswap Trail Alliance exists as a collaboration of partners working together to create purpose built, sanctioned, and sustainable trails throughout the Shuswap region. Their core values include Proactive Collaboration, Cultural Respect, Community Building, and Care for the Land.
Stewart Spooner is the Operations Manager of the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society and sits on Rossland City Council. The KCTS is a not-for-profit organization that for the past 27 years has developed, managed and maintained an extensive multi-use trail network in Rossland and throughout the local Region.
Jen and Stewart will comprise a panel that will delve into the cultural issues of trails and trail planning. Key issues will include:
Stewart Spooner is the Operations Manager of the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society and sits on Rossland City Council. The KCTS is a not-for-profit organization that for the past 27 years has developed, managed and maintained an extensive multi-use trail network in Rossland and throughout the local Region.
Jen and Stewart will comprise a panel that will delve into the cultural issues of trails and trail planning. Key issues will include:
- Who lies within the cultural spectrum of trail users? What are they trying to get out of their experience?
- What does it take to earn the trust of those who have cultural, social, and spiritual connections to the land? Or those who hold title to it?
- What are the successes and lessons learned in understanding the cultural aspects of trails and trail planning? Are there examples of success that can be replicated throughout North America?