Hayley Gendron

Hayley Gendron is a graduate of the University of Victoria’s joint degree program in Canadian Common Law (JD) and Indigenous Legal Orders (JID), leveraging her expertise to advocate for Indigenous rights and conservation ecology. An outdoor athlete and content creator, Gendron’s work is dedicated to decolonizing the outdoor industry and promoting Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship. Her legal and advocacy efforts consistently address systemic barriers, working to foster inclusion and access to outdoor activities for Indigenous Peoples and other minority groups. As a member of Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and of Omamíwínini (Algonquin) and English descent, Gendron’s professional work is deeply rooted in connecting with ancestral lands and learning traditional practices.

This program provides crucial access to outdoor sports, develops leadership skills, and offers practical certifications such as Wilderness First Aid. Operating from W?SÁNE? territory (Vancouver Island, BC), the program specifically works to reduce financial and systemic barriers, foster community, and support participants in securing employment within the outdoor industry, thereby challenging historical exclusions and uplifting Indigenous voices. Gendron continues to be a leading voice at the intersection of law, athletics, and advocacy, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. Her commitment to merging legal acumen with hands-on engagement in the outdoor world positions her as a unique and influential advocate for systemic change and inclusive practices.