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Willamette Riverkeeper and Keizer Business Alliance hosted a Latinx Paddle canoe trip on the Willamette River this week as part of an effort to expand Latino community access to boating and other outdoor activities and promote mental health.
As they gathered to begin the journey, the group was filled with excitement and a little nervousness. Many, including Loreli Estrada and her 7-year-old son, Isai Pablo, had never done anything like it before.
“We’ve been taking walks and looking at nature this year, so when we heard about this, we decided, why not?” said Loreli.
For individuals in minority groups, there are many barriers to accessing outdoor activities such as canoeing, including the cost of equipment and licenses.
For this event, participation was free and all equipment was provided. Participants were even allowed to take home a life jacket to encourage future trips to the river.
“Lowering entry barriers is important to better help all members of our diverse community experience the Willamette River up close,” said Travis Williams, executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper.
Efforts to diversify access to the Willamette are not only for the sake of fun, but also for the health of the community.
RJ Navarro, Keizer Business Alliance volunteer and owner of a local business, was motivated to co-sponsor this event because of his advocacy for access to mental health care for all.
“Oregon has a serious lack of mental health services for Latinos and there are many barriers,” Navarro said.
Spending time outdoors can improve your mental and physical well-being, according to a 2016 study.
Navarro said that with the stigma surrounding mental health seeking, motivating people through activities as simple as canoeing could be a good place to start.
“By doing it this way, we fight that stigma. We are exposing individuals who would not normally seek mental health services,” he said.
After receiving instructions from Annette Pearson, River Recreation and Stewardship Coordinator, the group began learning how to maneuver their canoes in the water.
After much teamwork and some laughter, the journey from Wallace Marine Park to Keizer Rapids Park began.
Isai hoped to see dinosaurs along the way.
Midway through the trip, the group stopped at an island for a snack, a water break and to practice mindfulness activities. Navarro encouraged everyone to be mindful by taking in the scenery, savoring the taste of their snacks, and even taking a quick dip in the cool water. This suggestion was followed by many as it was one of Salem’s hottest days so far this year.
After a while, Navarro had everyone stand in the water as he led them in a mindfulness practice that stimulated the senses and focused on the breath.
The group members were happy and indicated how much they enjoyed the day.
“I always enjoy being out here. It calms you down,” said Tania Zavala, bringing her aunt and niece who were visiting from California.
Before getting back out on the water, Pearson encouraged everyone to clean up some trash along the riverbank. Willamette Riverkeeper works to protect and preserve the quality of the Willamette. In addition to these types of events, they also lead river clean-up projects, hoping to encourage a healthy relationship with the river.
“If the river is healthy, we are healthy,” Pearson said.
The group completed the journey happy and tired, many opting to take a quick dip to cool off.
Juanita Aniceto, who came with her colleague and boyfriend, said it was a nice break to be out on the water with friends and new faces.
“We were supposed to be working today, but we asked for a mental health day,” she said.
Everyone in the group said they would like to do something like that again. When they got back to land, they were already planning the next event.
The Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Program helped support Latinx Paddle by licensing all boats used.
Willamette Riverkeeper will be holding several group events in Eugene and Independence in the future, one during Eugene’s Black Cultural Festival and another aimed at migrant families.
Navarro said he hopes events like this can continue for the Latino community in Salem.
“I hope this will inspire the county and state to fund organizations like Mano A Mano, Bridgeway and Project ABLE so they can continue this great work for our underserved populations,” said Navarro.
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