This blog post was written by FEELed Lab Member Emma Carey, a Master’s student in UBCO’s Interdisciplinary Sustainability program, who is also working on the Enhancing Access and Inclusion in Environmental Humanities Research Practice Project. All photos by project member Jenica Frisque.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our access storytelling workshop on April 2!
Our team has been talking about how to widen the circle for a long time: although as core team members, we (Jenica, Matt, Natalie, Astrida and me) have expressed how our own understanding of access has expanded through the project, we often contemplate how this knowledge—gained through slow and thoughtful collaboration—can be meaningfully communicated to others. I can’t help thinking about the workshop as a lovely way to do so, with new and returning friends of the FEELed lab.
It was a brisk spring day on unceded syilx territory, as humans, flickers, Douglas fir, deer, ponderosa pines, and Oregon grape gathered at the lab. To welcome each other, we shared which season feels the most accessible to our different bodies, as our conversation moved around our gathering circle.
We then broke into four smaller groups to delve more deeply into each person’s access story. In my own group, I felt connections forming between us as we talked about heartfelt topics. One person shared how shy they felt to go over to the snack table, until Astrida led the way.
This invitation and welcoming was part of building access during the workshop. One of my personal favourite aspects of FEELed lab events is that the snacks are immaculate. There are always healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The snacks are an object that indicates I am welcome (I tend to get hangry which is why this is important to me).
Another participant shared a story of their first encounter with a lynx at Woodhaven. They only saw this wondrous creature because they were silent, not taking up too much space. This allowed more-than-human beings to be in this place. I talked about asking permission from the land before walking on it.
Another person read a lovely poem with different languages, showcasing the multiple dimensions of access. Our laughter, thoughtful silence, and mutual appreciation strengthened our relationships with each other.
After working in small groups, the break-out sessions all congregated around the fire circle, sharing memorable moments. All the stories were pinned onto bulletin boards, and people drifted from one to the next in silent appreciation.
My greatest takeaway from this day is that access is intrinsically entwined with relationship building. I’m so grateful to all the human people who were able to attend as well as the more-than-human beings who made appearances!
The FEELed lab 