In the shadow of the towering peaks and within the silent majesty of Alberta and British Columbia’s rugged landscapes, there exists a space where the vastness of nature and the depth of human connection intersect.
This is the realm of Indigenous Ways: A Mountain Journey, a new tour from Tim Patterson from Zuc’min Guiding in partnership with Girth Hitch Guiding that seeks to offer more than mere excursions into the wilderness.
This tour is an invitation to a journey of discovery, where the grandeur of the mountains serves as a backdrop for personal growth, understanding, and the bridging of worlds.
“The mountains do a really good job of levelling people out really quickly”
In the vast and towering landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, there’s a unique phenomenon that occurs, one that Tim Patterson, ACMG Hiking Guide and Owner & Lead Guide of Zuc’min Guiding, captures through his Indigenous-focused tours in Alberta & British Columbia. It’s the mountains’ uncanny ability to level people out, stripping away the layers of difference and bringing them onto common ground. “You have so many different people who come with all different perspectives. But then when they all see the same and experience the same thing, there’s a levelling out of all those different opinions and politics when you’re appreciating something together, and then you realize you have that thing in common,” he reflects.
Tim’s approach is refreshingly simple yet profoundly impactful: “It’s a matter of, for me as a guide, to drop all that pretense and just allow people to be.” In the raw, unfiltered beauty of the mountains, distinctions blur, and shared human experiences come to the forefront. This environment, according to Tim, is not just a backdrop for physical activity but a powerful medium for storytelling and connection. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike bring their narratives, yet in the mountains, the way stories are told and received transcends cultural boundaries.
The journey is not always easy—some days challenge the spirit with harsh weather and tough terrain. Yet, as Tim observes, “Some days are awesome, absolutely amazing. And then other days, you’re trudging through snow or mud and rain, and it’s like, what the hell am I doing? But you’re still in the mountain, so you can’t necessarily complain too much.” It’s this shared adversity and awe that knit the diverse tapestry of individuals into a cohesive, understanding community, if only for the duration of the tour. Through the guiding eyes of Tim, guests not only traverse the physical landscape but embark on a journey of cultural and personal discovery, finding common ground where there might have been none before.
The narrative that Tim Patterson weaves through his tours challenges and expands the conventional understanding of mountain history. It’s a narrative that emphasizes diversity and resilience, illustrating that the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta were, and continue to be, a confluence of many cultures, not just a singular narrative. Through his guiding, Tim brings to light Indigenous peoples’ multifaceted relationships with these landscapes—relationships rooted in hunting, harvesting, and traversing the challenging terrains shaped by centuries of environmental changes.
“We talk a lot about not just the fur trade and development of these trails across British Columbia and Alberta but also hunting and harvesting. Those were quite the mainstay of people in the mountains.” This statement underscores the integral role the mountains played in the lives of Indigenous peoples, serving not just as a backdrop for historical events like the fur trade but as a vital source of sustenance and survival.
Further enriching this narrative is acknowledging the era “In the 1800s, we were still in an ice age. Snowpack was a lot more, and access to mountains was not like we have today. It was a harsh environment, demanding a certain skill set, and there was always a group of individuals that had that skill set.” This glimpse into the past not only highlights the challenging conditions under which these cultures thrived but also showcases the adaptability and expertise required to navigate the mountains’ demanding landscapes.
Tim’s tours offer more than just a journey through breathtaking vistas; they provide a profound education on the deep history embedded within these mountains—a history marked by diversity, resilience, and the enduring presence of many cultures. Through his storytelling, guests are invited to see beyond the physical beauty of the landscapes and recognize the rich cultural tapestry that has woven itself into the very fabric of the mountains. This approach not only enriches the experience of the hikers but also pays homage to the myriad of Indigenous cultures that have called these mountains home.
“There’s not just one culture – there are many cultures that use the mountains”
The “art and a science” of balancing joy and learning
Navigating the delicate balance between imparting knowledge and ensuring an enjoyable experience in the wild terrains of Alberta and British Columbia is an art and a science, a sentiment Girth Hitch Guiding embodies in its approach to leading tours.
The guiding philosophy Tim adheres to is also nuanced, requiring a deep understanding of the audience’s desires and their readiness to absorb information. “All guides struggle with how much to provide and when. Mountain guides and alpine guides are not necessarily the best at it because they just kind of go. Some are really good. It’s about knowing your audience,” Tim reflects, highlighting the variability and the challenge of meeting each group’s unique needs.
This thoughtful approach extends to discerning the moments that call for silence and those ripe for storytelling, aiming to spark curiosity without overwhelming guests. “You get really good at figuring out people that are eager or not, getting to those places that are amazing and inspiring, giving them a bit of information, and then having them want more.” It’s this skill—knowing when to offer insights and when to let the landscape speak for itself—that distinguishes a memorable tour from a mundane hike.
Striking this balance is crucial, as the goal is to enrich the experience without making it feel like a lecture. This sentiment is echoed in the philosophy of allowing guests to first absorb the awe of their surroundings, akin to walking into a cathedral and being struck by its beauty before delving into its history. “You try to balance all of this with making sure that these tours are enjoyable and so people don’t feel like they’re just being lectured to,” underscores the importance of joy in the learning process.
In this philosophy, a significant emphasis is placed on initiating tours with a period of unguided, personal immersion in the natural wonders of Alberta and British Columbia. This approach champions the value of experiencing the raw majesty of the wilderness firsthand. Before any formal narratives or historical contexts are introduced, guests are encouraged to connect emotionally with the land. This methodology ensures the essence of the place—a profound engagement with its awe and majesty—sets the stage for deeper, more meaningful learning. Thus, Tim’s nuanced strategy goes beyond simply sharing information; it fosters a sincere appreciation and connection with the environment, transforming each excursion into an in-depth exploration of the vibrant natural beauty, culture, and history that stitch the Canadian Rockies into the consciousness of every participant.
The genesis of Zuc’min Guiding under Tim Patterson is a story of convergence—where passion, heritage, and academia blend into a unique venture. After completing his master’s degree and facing the crossroads of academic continuation or entering the workforce, Tim chose a path less trodden. “It all came together after I finished my master’s degree. I didn’t feel like continuing into the academy or going to work. So I thought, how hard could it be? I started a business, bringing my Indigenous, guiding, and academic knowledge together. Guiding was a passion of mine and something I always loved to do.” This choice wasn’t merely about starting a business; it was about crafting experiences that bridge the gap between cultures and the natural world.
Tim’s approach to guiding is deeply personal and tailored, understanding that each participant brings their own perspectives and desires to the tour. “I really try to bring complex issues like Indigenous knowledge to something that makes sense to them, depending on the person and where they’re at.” This philosophy extends to the very start of the hike, where the initial steps are about connection—seeing where each person is coming from and what they seek from the experience.
In addressing the varying interests within a group, Tim acknowledges the diversity of expectations, saying, “It really depends on the person in the group and what they want. Some like to learn, and others just want to hike.” It’s this flexibility and attentiveness that enable a richer, more inclusive experience, where learning is interwoven with the act of walking through nature.
The essence of Zuc’min Guiding’s tours is encapsulated in the principle of partnership, rooted in effective communication and a genuine willingness to engage. “Partnership comes down to communication, which comes down to listening, and listening comes down to a willingness to partake.” This ethos extends to how Tim addresses the concept of reconciliation, breaking it down into manageable, relatable parts. “Reconciliation is a huge term. How can you be responsible for that? You can’t. It’s a national thing, a political thing, and deals with a lot of history. I’m asking you to be open to a partnership, to a relationship with another person.”
In his journey to demystify and share Indigenous knowledge, Tim is cautious not to overwhelm. “I’m not trying to dump a bunch of information all at once.” His goal is not to bombard with facts but to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures, their histories, and their connection to the land.
We’re still here. And we always have been.
Transform Your Perspective: Experience Our Indigenous-led Tours
As the sun sets behind the craggy horizons of the Canadian Rockies, casting long shadows over paths tread by countless feet, the essence of what Tim Patterson has crafted with Girth Hitch Guiding becomes clear. It’s not merely about the physical journey across diverse terrains but about a deeper exploration of the self and our connection to the natural world and its ancient custodians. In Tim’s hands, the mountains reveal their stories, teaching us that we are all travellers through time, seeking understanding, connection, and a sense of place in a world that is ever-changing yet eternally grounded in the bedrock of history and culture.
Through the shared experiences of awe and challenge, of learning and reflection, Girth Hitch Guiding stands as a beacon for those yearning to find more in the mountains than just scenic vistas. It offers a passage to enlightenment, to a recognition of the intricate web of life and human experience that spans generations and cultures. As we venture back into our lives, carrying with us the stories and lessons of the land, we are reminded of Tim’s vision: a world where the wilderness is not just a place to visit, but a space to understand, respect, and cherish—a space where we are, truly, never alone.
As we venture back into our lives, carrying with us the stories and lessons of the land, we are reminded of Tim’s vision: a world where the wilderness is not just a place to visit, but a space to understand, respect, and cherish—a space where we are, truly, never alone.
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