Join us for a film screening of Expedition Reclamation in the Hemmingson Auditorium at Gonzaga University on Thursday, April 28th. Doors open at 5:30pm, the film begins at 6pm, and will be followed by a panel discussion with women from the film! 

Expedition Reclamation weaves together a tapestry of voices from 12 Black, Indigenous, and women of color who are redefining “outdoorsy” and reclaiming belonging in outdoor culture. This story begins with an honest exploration of how BIPOC communities have always been connected to the land, but how through the lasting lineage of colonialism, spaces of outdoor recreation have systematically excluded them. Emerging from these interwoven experiences is a rally cry to the outdoor industry: to re-examine our understanding of the history of outdoor spaces, to commit to what inclusion really looks like in practice, and to create a better outdoor culture – one that empowers every individual to reach their fullest potential as humans and stewards of this planet and her people. Watch the trailer here!

Meet our panelists! 

Karen Francis-McWhite is a mom, gardener, canner, sourdough baker, and writer whose day job, DEI consulting/facilitating, and passions are dedicated to inclusive and sustainable rural community development. Educated in both creative writing and law, she has a keen interest in the stories we tell about ourselves and about each other, and the ways law is used - and sometimes abused - by powerful storytellers. 

Elisa Lopez’s passion for the natural world started at a young age surrounded by orchards. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and began nourishing her connection to the outdoors as well as helping others build their connection in 2018. Through her work with Team Naturaleza, Elisa is creating a space where the Hispanic/Latinx community can gather, learn about the environment bilingually, and create positive memories outside. Elisa’s favorite outdoor activities are paddle boarding, revisiting sites and noticing changes, and birding.

After studying comparative ecology and conservation in Ecuador, Amanda Parrish graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of San Francisco in 2008 and went on to work as seasonal forestry technician with the Coeur d'Alene tribe. She joined The Lands Council (TLC) in 2009 as an AmeriCorps member. "Back in those early days, I had no idea of how many different hats I would wear at TLC," Amanda says. After holding positions as Volunteer Coordinator, Beaver Program Director, Watershed Program Director, and Operations Director for TLC, as Executive Director she now hopes to build climate resiliency into Inland Northwest forests, water, and wildlife.

5:30 pm: Doors open

6:00 pm: Welcome

6:05 pm: Film screening 

7:00 pm: Panel discussion

7:30 pm: Q&A

7:45 pm: Closing

Free parking will be available on the Gonzaga University campus at the BARC Parking garage (3rd & 4th floors only). The BARC parking garage is located at the corner of Boone and Hamilton, northeast of the John J. Hemmingson Center.

If you have accessibility needs related to hearing, language, or event access, please reach out to abby@wildsalmon.org.