ABOUT CLEAR PATHS
Meet Adrian Alphonso
Bicycle Knowledge Holder, Truth & Reconciliation Facilitator and Experiential Educator.
My Story
My name is Adrian Alphonso. I am a member of Waywayseecappo First Nation. My parents are Anishinaabe and Guyanese, and I was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
I have dedicated my life to cycling and trails. As a teen, I built trails along the Red River with my friends. Since then, I have developed programs and policies through contract work and volunteer work.
I am a commuter, coach, bicycle technician and guide. I have presented talks, led skills training and interpretive experiences, and facilitated many workshops for communities across the province and beyond.
I believe bikes are the modern horse. Trails can inspire a connection to the land, and I invite Canadians to consider the impact of "Trails as Reconciliation."
What guides my work
Two-Eyed Seeing
I use Elder Albert Marshall's approach of Two-Eyed Seeing. It means looking with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and Western knowledge together.
Relationship to Land
All people need radically welcoming chances to build a relationship with the land. Trails are one of the best ways I know to make that happen.
Language, relationships & reconciliation
I have learned from the land and the people around me. I believe in the importance of language, relationships and reconciliation.
Leadership & boards
Serving on for-profit and non-profit committees and boards has given me a deep respect for the planning process.
-
Board member, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Canada
-
Board member, Trails Manitoba
-
Board member, Manitoba Cycling Association
Recognition
CBC Manitoba Future 40
Award recipient, 2018
Featured by CBC News, CTV News Winnipeg, Trans Canada Trail, IMBA Canada and the Human Rights Hub. See the stories