In the realm of outdoor recreation and advocacy, Ambreen Tariq stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey unfolds as a tapestry of resilience, passion, and an unyielding commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the great outdoors.
Ambreen Tariq: Camping as a Sanctuary
Ambreen Tariq, a first-generation American of Indian descent, vividly recalls the challenges of immigrating to the U.S. at the tender age of eight. “When we moved here, everything became a point of fear,” she reflects, encapsulating the daunting experience of adapting to a new country and culture.
However, amidst the trials, she found solace in camping—family trips in Minnesota became a sanctuary, a respite from the complexities of her new life.
“Camping became a reprieve from the rest of the world,” Ambreen shares. In the great outdoors, she rediscovered the carefree joy of childhood, away from judgment and fear. These early experiences laid the foundation for a profound love for nature, one that transcended borders and cultures.
@BrownPeopleCamping: A Digital Movement for Diversity
It was during a camping trip at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains that Ambreen noticed a stark lack of diversity. Determined to address this disparity, she founded @BrownPeopleCamping in 2016, an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing the outdoor adventures of people of colour and immigrants in the United States.
This digital platform, boasting nearly 32,000 followers as of March 2022, employs the potent tools of storytelling and visual representation to amplify the voices and experiences of an often underrepresented demographic.
The resonance of @BrownPeopleCamping catapulted Ambreen Tariq into collaborations with major outdoor recreation companies, including L.L. Bean, Merrell, REI, and Airstream.
“Diversity is important in every aspect of my life,” Ambreen emphasizes. Yet, she notes a disconcerting contrast when it comes to outdoor spaces. @BrownPeopleCamping serves as a catalyst for change, challenging preconceptions and dismantling barriers.
Fatima’s Great Outdoors: A Literary Triumph
In 2020, Ambreen Tariq expanded her advocacy into the realm of children’s literature with the publication of “Fatima’s Great Outdoors” through Penguin Random House. This heartwarming tale narrates the story of a young Muslim girl and her family embarking on their first camping trip in the United States after immigrating from India.
The book garnered acclaim from NPR’s Short Wave, Sierra Club, and Kirkus Reviews, reflecting Ambreen’s ability to weave her personal experiences into a narrative that resonates universally. “Fatima represents children and people of so many different cultures,” Ambreen shares, emphasizing the inclusive spirit that underpins her work.
Advocacy Beyond Social Media
Ambreen’s advocacy extends beyond the digital realm. A non-practicing attorney based in Washington, D.C., she dedicates herself to promoting diversity and access in the outdoors.
She serves as a first-generation member of the Diversify Outdoors Coalition, a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath, and an advisory council member of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors For All campaign.
“Nobody is stopping POC or diverse communities from getting outside,” Ambreen asserts. Yet, she confronts gaslighting statements that downplay the historic trauma and obstacles faced by marginalized communities.
Through @BrownPeopleCamping and @OutdoorMuslims, Ambreen fosters communities that confront and explore issues of fear, safety, and risk associated with outdoor recreation.
A Multifaceted Advocate
Ambreen Tariq’s impact resonates on various fronts. Her role as a brand ambassador for renowned outdoor companies, including Merrell, REI, L.L. Bean, Airstream, and others, showcases her ability to bridge advocacy and corporate partnerships.
Additionally, Ambreen Tariq’s co-founded Outdoor Muslims and serves as a board member of City Kids Wilderness Project, further diversifying her engagement in outdoor initiatives.
As a testament to her contributions, Ambreen was honoured in the National Trust’s 40 Under 40: People Saving Places and featured in the Library of Congress’s 2021 National Book Festival.
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