Sandy Ward is a member of the Lil’wat Nation and a founding member of Indigenous Women Outdoors. She has spent most of her life on snow as a competitive halfpipe rider, First Nations Snowboard Team coach and now lead of the Indigenous Women Outdoors Backcountry Mentorship Program. Through her work with IWO and Indigenous Life Sport Academy, Sandy has continually shown her devotion to ensuring Indigenous peoples can get involved in the outdoors.
As an avid snowboarder, mountain biker and rock climber she spends most of her time outdoors and enjoys connecting to her traditional territory and seeing it from a different perspective through sport. As a certified mountain bike coach and snowboard instructor, Sandy helps run both snowboard and biking programs within her nation for women and youth interested in getting outside in a safe, welcoming space.
Embark on a thought-provoking panel discussion centered on community building, personal experiences, and the profound impact that outdoor recreation has on Indigenous identities. Explore how our panelists draw inspiration from their journeys, nurturing connections to their cultures. Join us in contemplating the path forward, exploring reconciliation through their collective experiences and insights. Moderated by Michele Lobo.
