Message from the Board of the Central Wyoming Climbers’ Alliance Expressing Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

The Central Wyoming Climbers’ Alliance (WyoClimbers) stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We are horrified at the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others killed or otherwise harmed by 500+ years of colonialism and white supremacy. 

Our statement is late in coming: we acknowledge that this is a reflection of our privilege. Before posting a statement, we spent time reflecting on the ways in which we could change our organizational actions in order to address white supremacy and be anti-racist and inclusive. 

It is also not lost on us that we are neighbors with two groups of people - the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone people - who are survivors of historic and present day racially motivated violence and discrimination. 

There may be people out there asking why it is necessary for a small climbers’ association in central Wyoming (a predominantly white state) to make a statement in support of Black Lives Matter. The answer is simple: not only is this the morally correct action, but we know that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) climbers do not always feel welcome or safe in our local community. In addition to the structural racism that pervades our society, there have also been instances of overt racism at WyoClimbers sponsored events that do not reflect our organizational values. It is essential that we both speak up and act. 

In order to support racial and social justice within our climbing community, the CWCA is committing to the following action steps: 

  • Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion education for the Board

  • Monthly written articles, videos, and other appropriate media authored by climbers/outdoors people of color provided to the board, with discussion questions.

  • The WyoClimbers Access & Advocacy committee and Steve Bechtel, the author of “Lander Rock Climbs” are actively working on a list of route names that do not foster inclusivity. The first ascensionists are being given the opportunity to rename any offensive/discriminatory routes. New names will be printed in the next edition of the guidebook. WyoClimbers does not condone route names that discriminate against or marginalize any population. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment for all climbers to feel comfortable recreating in the Lander area.

  • Where appropriate and welcomed, partnership with BIPOC climbing groups. This could include financial or logistical support to attend our festival or other events, financial or logistical cooperation for shared causes, and/or opportunities to speak and present at CWCA events

  • When it is not possible for us to source products or services locally, we will seek out businesses owned by BIPOC

  • Our rideshare for the Festival can serve as a resource for carpooling or caravanning for those people who do not feel comfortable traveling alone to Wyoming. This is not limited to BIPOC climbers: climbers from the LGBTQI+ community, women, and anyone else who feels at-risk may use this resource.

  • Work with local organizations to ensure that all visitors to Lander feel welcome and safe.

  • Use our social media network to elevate and amplify the voices of BIPOC climbers.

  • We will evaluate these steps on a yearly basis (more frequently if needed) and amend them as necessary.

These steps alone will not undo the structural inequities that exist in our country and community. And, we are committed to ongoing efforts in support of racial justice and anti-racism work. 

If you are reading this and wondering how you can learn more and act in support of racial justice, please consider the resources below: