"The mountains humble us all," said Patterson who owns Zuc'min Guiding, which offers educational hiking trips in British Columbia and Alberta. "Up here you're not a lawyer or a doctor, or white or Indigenous. Everyone's on the same plane." This profound statement highlights the unifying nature of nature, suggesting that the majestic mountains create a level playing field for all who experience them, emphasizing the importance of humility and equality in the great outdoors.
As I sat near the summit of Mount Owen in Alberta, surrounded by hundreds of miles of the Rocky Mountains, the expanse of snow around me was quiet. I had just climbed to an elevation of 9,434 feet, led by certified alpine guide Tim Taylor, the Métis founder of Girth Hitch Guiding. This moment encapsulates the blend of adventure and cultural experience that permeates these treks, showcasing the natural beauty and the Indigenous connection to the land.
It's a much-needed industry considering so many of the country's parks were created at the expense of displaced Indigenous people in the first place. Indigenous operators like Patterson and Taylor not only provide essential services but also serve as a bridge, allowing visitors to experience the lands through the lens of the Indigenous narratives, histories, and cultures that have long been overlooked.
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