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The Alpine Club of Canada’s
State of the
Mountains
Report
Volume 4, July 2021
Resilient Revelstoke
Page 4
State of the Mountains Report 2021 A
Contents
Foreword
Reflections on Mountain Resilience
Lael Parrott, Zac Robinson, and David Hik ....................................................................................................................... 2
Feature Essay
Resilient Revelstoke: Four Seasons of COVID-19 in a Canadian Mountain Town
Jill Zacharias and Simon Hunt ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Knowledge Highlights
The Alpine Club People and Mountains
of Canada’s The Future of Comprehensive Alpine Guidebooks
State of the David P. Jones ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Mountains Stoney Cultural Monitoring: How the Stoney Nakoda First Nations are Informing Science
in the Rocky Mountains, and Preserving Traditional Knowledge in the Process
Report Bill Snow ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
___________________________
Volume 4, July 2021 Hišimy̓awiƛ: A Naming Story
Mary Sanseverino and Geoff Bennett ............................................................................................................................. 19
The Alpine Club of Canada Coal Policy and Surface Mining in the Rockies
Box 8040, Canmore, AB Liza Piper .............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Canada T1W 2T8
Phone: (403) 678‑3200 Life in the Mountains
Fax: (403) 678‑3224
info@alpineclubofcanada.ca Past and Future Ecosystem Change in Torngat Mountains National Park (Tongait KakKasuangi-
www.alpineclubofcanada.ca
ta SilakKijapvinga), Northern Nunatsiavut, Labrador
Andrew Trant, Emma Davis, Luise Hermanutz, Alain Cuerrier, Rodd Laing, Tom Knight, Holly Lightfoot,
CANADIAN CATALOGUING IN Laura Siegwart Collier, Darroch Whitaker, and Robert Way .................................................................................... 25
PUBLICATIONS DATA
The Alpine Club of Canada’s Protecting Grizzly Bears from Trains in the Mountain Parks
State of the Mountains Report Colleen Cassady St. Clair .................................................................................................................................................. 29
Editors:
Lael Parrott The Changing Colours of Mountain Lakes in the Twenty-First Century
Zac Robinson Rolf Vinebrooke ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
David Hik
Design: Zac Bolan Mountains for Marmots: The Return of the Vancouver Island Marmot
ISBN: 978-0-920330-81-4 Adam Taylor and Cheyney Jackson................................................................................................................................ 35
© 2021,
The Alpine Club of Canada Physical Mountains
All rights reserved. No portion
of this book may be copied
Remote Sensing Strategies to Monitor British Columbia’s Glaciers
or reproduced without the Brian Menounos ................................................................................................................................................................. 38
permission of the author or the
subject.
Cover: Mask Up Revy
Inside Cover: Wildflowers,
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Photos: Tom Poole courtesy of
Tourism Revelstoke
www.stateofthemountains.ca
B The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 1
home for many people living in small and remote Parks Canada to reduce train-caused mortality
communities. Yet both local and global changes of grizzly bears in Banff National Park. And
influence these places in ways that are still not continuing with our theme of resilience, Adam
well understood. Taylor and Cheyney Jackson provide an update
Our feature story this year chronicles a year on the status of the Vancouver Island Marmot,
in the life of the community of Revelstoke, British an alpine species that has been successfully
Columbia, a year where the global pandemic recovering from the brink of extinction, but only
exposed vulnerabilities and inequities, but with significant effort on the part of numerous
also increased the need to be compassionate conseravation organizations.
and caring. Jill Zacharias and Simon Hunt Finally, Liza Piper provides a timely summary of
describe the adaptation, resilience, and change the ongoing threats of increased industrial activity
experienced by this mountain town, and the in mountains, and more specifically the potential
opportunities that have emerged to plan for an for new surface mine operations in the Alberta
even better future. Rocky Mountains and foothills. Canada’s mountains are
The importance of utilizing different ways We hope you find these contributions insightful
of knowing, and particularly Indigenous know- and thought provoking. Canada’s mountains are resilient landscapes, and
ledge, in documenting the state of Canada’s resilient landscapes, and so are the people who
mountains is also growing. Andrew Trant and reside among them, but more than ever we all so are the people who
colleagues describe the extensive environ- need to be stewards of these special places. This
mental changes occurring in the Torngat volume, and all volumes of the State of Mountains reside among them, but
Mountains of northern Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Report, can be found on the ACC website. Check
documented through scientific studies and the them out, and please let us know if there is some more than ever we all
sharing of Inuit Knowledge. Bill Snow provides aspect of Canada’s mountains that you would like
an overview of Stoney Cultural Monitoring to see included in future reports. need to be stewards of
activities that the Stoney Nakoda First Nations Stay safe, keep resilient, and see you in the
in Alberta have initiated to inform science and mountains. these special places.
management in the Rocky Mountains, while
also preserving and enhancing Traditional Lael Parrott, Zac Robinson, and David Hik
Knowledge. And Mary Sanseverino and Geoff May, 2021
Bennett tell the story of collaboration behind Lael Parrott is the ACC Vice-President for Access
the new ACC hut on Vancouver Island that & Environment, Professor of Sustainability, and
was honoured with an Indigenous name: Director of the Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience,
Hišimy̓awiƛ (Hi-SHIM-ya-wit). and Ecosystem Services at the University of British
Documenting knowledge of mountains and Columbia, Okanagan.
mountain places also has a unique literary herit-
age within the mountaineering community. David Zac Robinson is the ACC Vice-President for Mountain
Jones reflects on some of the attributes of alpine Culture, and an Associate Professor of history in the
and mountaineering guidebooks, which have Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the
Foreword provided climbers with useful information on pos-
sible climbing objectives for decades. But he also
University of Alberta.
David Hik is an ecologist and Professor in the
We were unable to meet in person
this year, but the editors of Volume
foreshadows their likely demise as new-fangled Department of Biological Sciences, and Associate 4 enjoyed many productive Zoom
A scenic summer on Mt Revelstoke.
Photo: Tom Poole courtesy of Reflections on Mountain Resilience technology replaces paper.
In previous years, we have covered the rapid
Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Science at Simon
Fraser University.
meetings. Top (L-R): Lael Parrott and
David Hik; Bottom: Zac Robinson.
R
Tourism Revelstoke demise of mountain glaciers across western
esilience. That word may well sum up our collective state of mind in 2021. Canada, and in this volume Brian Menounos sum-
Resilience to face the public health and personal challenges of a persistent maries recent analyses showing that glacier mass
COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience to take the actions necessary to address the loss from British Columbia glaciers has accelerated
over the last decade (2009-2019). He also outlines
Perhaps this year has global crisis resulting from increasing greenhouse gas emissions and continuing
some of the new methodologies that are being
climate change. Resilience to reverse the worrying decline of natural habitats and
developed to improve the monitoring of glaciers.
also reminded us biodiversity. Perhaps this year has also reminded us that we are stronger when we We also take a closer look at the ecology
that we are stronger face these challenges together. and conservation of several mountain spe-
cies and their environments. Rolf Vinebrooke
This 4th annual State of the Mountains ACC, mountain researchers, community mem-
discusses some of the ecological surprises
when we face these Report, produced by the Alpine Club of Canada bers, and partner organizations, and once again associated with the ‘clarification’ of glacial
(ACC), continues our commitment to providing we are grateful to the many experts who have mountain lakes, as reduced sediment inputs
challenges together. accessible, current, and accurate information generously provided their insights and perspec- as glaciers recede leads to a shift in lake colour
about the forces that are influencing Canadian tives. Mountains provide critical natural and from a milky turquoise to translucent blue.
mountain places, ecosystems, and communities. economic resources like water, biodiversity, forests Colleen Cassady St. Clair describes efforts by
This report is a collaborative effort between the and recreational opportunities. They are also researchers, Canadian Pacific Railway and
2 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 3
its Pipe Mountain Coaster in the summer of 2016, from full-time employment to unemployment
the attraction was an unprecedented success, overnight. Backcountry lodges shut down. Visitors
pulling thousands more off the highway to aug- and most seasonal workers left town. On March
ment summer tourism. 17, BC declared a public health emergency.4
As the town thrives, the municipality struggles The Canada-US border was closed. Schools
to keep up, grappling with common issues, such
Resilient Revelstoke: Four Seasons of COVID-19 in a as effective land-use and neighbourhood plan-
ning, illegal vacation rentals, affordable housing,
shut down indefinitely, followed by businesses.
Suddenly, the town was very quiet.
The Canada-US border
Canadian Mountain Town an ever-increasing cost-of-living relative to wages,
and a desire to remain diverse and inclusive. A
Spring
Spring in Revelstoke is a beautiful time of was closed. Schools
healthy school district and proactive early child- year. Snow in the valley melts quickly, and as the
hood development sector ensure Revelstoke is snowline recedes to higher elevations, muted
shut down indefinitely,
“family friendly” and a great place to raise kids. winter colours are replaced by the vivid green
There is a strong sense of belonging and active of spring. In a way, there was a sense of holding
followed by businesses.
volunteerism. Art, music, and theatre abound. one’s breath – and quiet prevailed. There was
There is an abundance of natural beauty and uncertainty about the future, but also a sense
Suddenly, the town was
easy access to the outdoors. For an increasing
number of citizens, Revelstoke is a desirable place
that Revelstoke had been suddenly taken out of
the hands of tourists and given back to the com-
very quiet.
to live. Current resident population figures range munity. For the most part, locals refrained from
up to 14,570 per month compared to only 7,500 heading out into the backcountry, respecting
in the 2016 census.1 Visitor numbers typically add provincial recommendations to stop higher
many more thousands of people on a given day risk activities that may put additional strain on
in both summer and winter seasons.
the healthcare system. Instead, they turned to
The pandemic hits their road bikes, XC skis, walking shoes, and Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Revelstoke
The 2019-2020 winter season was hopping,
with RMR experiencing the highest skier visits yet.
Secondary and tertiary businesses were thriving,
as well. Both workers and visitors had arrived from
all corners of the world. But by March, as word of
the pandemic spread, the landscape began to
shift. For guidance in BC, eyes and ears all turned
to Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer.
On March 12, the province began to discourage
all non-essential travel outside its borders and
implemented a mandatory two-week self-isola-
tion period for anyone arriving from outside the
Areal view of Revelstoke. Jill Zacharias and Simon Hunt country. On March 14, Dr. Henry’s message was
T
Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Revelstoke
he global COVID-19 pandemic has reached every corner of the world and is that “viruses do not transmit as readily outdoors,”
and encouraged residents to “[g]o outside
history in the making. One day, people will tell the story of the pandemic to and play with your family.”2 At this point, RMR
successive generations. Yet each story will be different, depending on unique remained open, but was subject to intense pres-
circumstances, complex factors, and the varying degree to which the pandemic sure via social media to shut down operations.
impacted each factor. One year in (at the time of writing), the pandemic has under- With spring break beginning March 14, there was
scored vulnerabilities and inequities, revealing the dark side of humanity while concern that Revelstoke would become a COVID
hotbed. Things were happening quickly, with new
One day, people will elevating in others a sense of compassion, selflessness, and hope. The experience is information coming daily. Strict physical distan-
new and rife with paradox. As all navigate uncertainty, the stories unfold, and as each cing was implemented, and gatherings of more
tell the story of the person has a tale to tell so too does each community. This is the story of the pandemic than fifty people banned.
as experienced by one mountain community: Revelstoke, British Columbia. Peter Nielsen, Vice-President of Operations
pandemic to successive at RMR, faced with escalating community con-
Revelstoke is a happening place. The economy lodges. Cat-skiing, snowmobiling, paragliding, XC cerns, consulted the local medical community
generations. is diverse, and includes sectors from forestry skiing, mountain biking, road biking, and birding to assess potential risks and impacts.3 On March
to tourism. There is a rich history of mountain all complement the Revelstoke lifestyle as much 16, the announcement came that RMR would be
guiding, mountaineering, camping, hiking and as a simple walk down by the river. In December closing operations by the day’s end. The skier/
ski-touring, particularly in the nearby Rogers Pass 2007, Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) opened boarder community was stunned. Despite it
area. The Revelstoke Ski Club – one of the oldest of its doors, and put Revelstoke on the map as one being a Monday, locals flocked to the hill for one
its kind in Canada – was established in 1891. The of the premier downhill ski destinations in the last ride. For RMR, moving from full operations
region is home to a plethora of backcountry oper- world. Big snow and big terrain attract skiers and to closure almost immediately was a huge chal-
ations, from simple alpine huts to luxurious heli-ski boarders from all walks of life. When RMR opened lenge. Hundreds of workers were transitioned
4 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 5
Revy” campaign was launched, in which 20,000
masks were distributed to help eliminate conflict
and barriers to accessing business. Community
Futures supported businesses to create safety
plans and access government supports. Every
business had to re-think operations. Without a
doubt, the hardest hit was those in tourism and
hospitality sectors, as well as those having to deal
with the highest level of restrictions, such as gyms
and yoga studios.5
As soon as the pandemic hit, the entire social
sector moved into high gear. All service providers
– from the school district to physicians to child-
care workers – had to re-think service delivery.
In July, the Recovery Task Force implemented
a social sector survey to assess impacts. From
trouble-shooting tech to a complete change
of service delivery model, the challenges faced
by the sector were impactful and stressful.
There was an increase in demand for services people felt comfortable socializing outdoors. people received part or all of their income from the Columbia River paddle boarder.
at a time when service delivery was changing. Residents sorely missed the free live music tourism industry, with the majority ranking tour- Photo: Natalie Peowich
Simultaneously, inequities in the ability to access normally held every night downtown in Grizzly ism as being important or very important to the
services emerged. More than ever before, Plaza, accessible to young and old, local and current and future economy, vibrancy, and quality
online access became a basic need, including visitor. But the Revelstoke Arts Council launched of life in their community. Many respondents were
up-to-date equipment, internet access, and
enough devices per household. One respondent
“Guerilla Gigs” – a concert series of secret shows comfortable or somewhat comfortable visiting The mountains
held at some of Revelstoke’s most iconic outdoor local businesses. However, respondents ranked
described how “[p]roblems and needs grow and
Figure 1: Revelstoke Task Social Sector paddleboards. In great numbers, people took to
change faster than systems, and this has resulted
locations.10 Outdoor restaurant patios sprung up, sharing spaces with visitors from outside their beckoned to locals
Survey: Top Organizational Priorities gardening, building raised beds, and planting supported by revamped municipal policy. region as their greatest concern related to COVID-
in exposure of systemic inequality if you are strug-
vegetables with a passion.
gling.” Isolation, mental health, and staff burnout
The mountains beckoned to locals and visitors 19.15 Indeed, evidence of tension between locals and and visitors alike
While some traditional sectors were able to alike. When the BC Parks reservation system finally tourists made provincial news, and resulted in the
became top concerns. Without regular programs
carry on, many businesses were either man- opened in late May, the site crashed when more Revelstoke Mayor, Gary Sulz, urging people to be
running and children not attending school, there
dated to shut down or did so voluntarily. Most than 50,000 people tried to reserve campsites kind and not judge why others might be traveling
was concern that families and individuals were
experienced an immediate drop in revenue. All at the same time.11 From late spring to early fall, to Revelstoke.16 A few months later, Mayor Sulz’s The Revy Rules poster.
not getting referred or missing out on services.
businesses and organizations had to fast-track campgrounds in the region were packed. RMR message would change. Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
One of the primary concerns going forward was
operational reimagining under conditions they hosted its busiest summer season ever, adding
the ability to continue offering programs and
had never before experienced. In early April, the downhill mountain biking to the mix. While visitors
services in an environment that maintained the
Federal Government announced the Canadian from the region and other parts of Canada
health and well-being of all, including both staff
Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) to help those who flocked to Revelstoke for a breath of fresh air, the
and clients.6
had to stop working for reasons related to COVID- overall numbers didn’t quite make up for the loss
Organizations discovered new ways of work-
19. At $2,000/month, CERB was a lifeline, but for of international clientele. Parks Canada experi-
ing, being flexible and prepared. The importance
many in Revelstoke, it was not quite enough to enced three-quarter visitation and about half its
Organizations make ends meet. Those who had savings got by,
of communication and connection, the need to
usual revenue, despite the successful opening
work better together with other agencies, and
of the new Snowforest Campground in Mount
discovered new ways of but those who didn’t suffered. By June, businesses
began to open their doors once again under new
the need to support staff emerged as essential.
Revelstoke National Park.12 Overall hotel occu-
As well, the resilience of individuals was noted.7
working, being flexible operating conditions, but with limited hours and People stepped up to help those in need, and pancy rates and revenues were down.
fewer staff. The number of households registered a system was created whereby volunteers Yet, there was a tentative sense of reprieve
and prepared. at the Food Bank tripled. With schools closed, partnered with local grocery stores to deliver from the pandemic, and Revelstoke offered what
many sought. For a growing number of people,
parents of children had to make tough choices groceries to isolated, vulnerable individuals.8 A
regarding who stayed home and who continued local distillery, Monashee Spirits, became one of experiencing nature in a mountain environment
to work. While some parents relished an increase the first in Canada to supply hand sanitizer and was new. Revelstoke Search and Rescue (SAR)
in family time, for others, the high cost of living in surface cleaner.9 didn’t see as much of an increase in calls as other
a mountain town increased the stress and worry parts of the province, but the need for back-
of having to make ends meet. Summer country preparedness education was flagged as
The City implemented the Emergency As spring became summer, the number other SAR teams dealt with tragedy.13 There was
Operations Centre, and the Department of of COVID-19 cases in Revelstoke – only three other evidence of inexperienced backcountry
Community Economic Development struck – remained stable. The Canada-US border use, most notable being garbage left behind and
a Recovery Task Force. The Chamber of remained closed, but non-essential travel environmental damage.14
Commerce began helping members navigate restrictions within Canada were lifted. Although In July, a regional survey, which included
the ever-changing landscape. A “Mask Up gathering in large numbers remained restricted, Revelstoke, indicated that thirty-two percent of
6 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 7
Wellness at Moses Falls. Photo: Vicktoria Haack 8 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 9
resources aimed at new backcountry users and education was compromised, the ability to build
anticipated an increase in students. Outreach up volunteer work experience was cut off, and
changed from in-person delivery to online pro- the venues that connected them to community,
gramming, and field operations were adjusted to and to each other, were no longer available.
meet new health and safety regulations.18 Despite accustomed use of social media to con-
In early October, the City of Revelstoke nect with friends and family, it was not making
Recovery Task Force implemented a Community up for other losses. At a time in their lives when
Well-Being Survey to better understand the there was tremendous pressure to think about
impact of the pandemic on residents and house- the future, the future was uncertain. The survey
holds.19 Results indicated significant vulnerabilities assessed mental and emotional well-being using
in all domains: the Outcome Rating Scale. Typically, individuals
▪ 28% reported that housing was unafford- who score below twenty-five want to improve
able, insecure, and/or didn’t meet needs; some aspect of their well-being and are more
▪ 28.5% indicated they were unemployed, representative of someone in counseling. On
and an additional 20% lost some work all points, young people were vulnerable and
temporarily; scored the lowest (see Figure 3). It was a “perfect
▪ Financially, 85.7% were stable or bet- storm.” One (young) respondent reported feeling
ter before March 1, 2020. This number “devalued, disconnected, forgotten, hopeless,
decreased to 67.7% during the pandemic, unmotivated, anxious, drowning.”
Mt Revelstoke hiking at Miller Lake. Fall and only 63.4% expected to be stable or
Winter
Photo: Tom Poole courtesy of better when asked to look forward to the
Fall was a time of preparation and reprieve. future; By November, things began to change. Once
Tourism Revelstoke
There were expectations of a second wave, but ▪ The most commonly chosen words to rep- again, non-essential travel restrictions were Meanwhile, the backcountry scene had shifted Figure 3: Self-assessed mental health
by the end of October, there were no new COVID- resent how respondents felt were “Worried,” implemented by the Provincial Health Authority. dramatically. Dependent on international clientele, decreased below the clinical cut off
19 cases in Revelstoke. The busy summer season “Hopeful,” “Content”; Seasonal workers and others began to arrive. the majority of backcountry heli- and cat-skiing after the onset of the COVID-19 pan-
and influx of newcomers into the backcountry ▪ Respondents ranked “Mental Health and Rumours of positive local test results began to operations were either closed or running at a frac- demic for those less than thirty-five
led mountain organizations like Parks Canada, years old (n=903). The score is based
Fall was a time of Revelstoke Search and Rescue, Avalanche
Well-being” as the highest community circulate. Surprisingly, confirmation came not
from Interior Health from but BC Minister of Health
tion of the volume, and the guiding industry was
on four questions assessing individual,
social priority. hit hard. Private guiding faced a similar shut down, interpersonal, social, and overall sense
preparation and Canada, and BC AdventureSmart to anticipate a Comments added personal stories to the Adrian Dix in a televised town hall hosted by
Global TV on November 25, when Dix explained
and many guides lost up to ninety-five percent of of well-being. The score from each
potential increase in inexperienced winter recrea- numbers and gave insight into the diversity, their income. By winter, some were piecing together question was summed (respondents
reprieve. tionalists, and to prepare. Fuelled by concern that complexity, and depth of impacts: how a new cluster of cases in Revelstoke work here and there but the scene had changed. picked a value from one to ten), thus
people were listening to Dr. Henry’s message to ▪ “In fact, I am working to a far greater extent impacted provincial direction.20 Within days, ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Larry Stanier com- the highest possible score was forty.
“go outside” but not always following the precau- than ever before in my life. I have worked the cluster impacted temporary closures for five mented, “[t]here’s nobody out there. Normally, Vertical bars represent 95% confidence
tions needed to stay safe, BC AdventureSmart days as long as 20 hours since March, in local businesses due to mandatory quarantine there’s all these operations that you would get data limits. Lower sample sizes in some age
flagged the need to pivot to online education order to keep my business viable through requirements.21 from or know that you’ve got back up in an emer- groups resulted in larger confidence
Figure 2: Community Well-being and capitalize on the new thirst for both outdoor closures, ongoing challenges, lack of staff- By the first week of December, the cluster intervals (e.g. for 85+ n=4).
gency. This winter, that’s just not there.”25 ACMG
Survey respondents were asked to ing, etc.” had grown to forty-six cases, and Mayor Sulz
adventure and education. Presentations switched Ski Guide Sylvain Hebert described how without
choose words from a list to describe was recorded on Global TV urging visitors not Figure 4: Community Well-being
to webinar format, successfully reaching more ▪ “I feel over all very safe, well off and lucky ongoing winter work, guides were faced with a
how they were feeling now. Larger Survey respondents under 25 years of
than 250 people each week.17 Parks Canada to be in this community. But day to day to come if travel was non-essential.22 For many unique issue: “Usually, you are tracking the snow-
fonts indicate the most commonly age chose different words to describe
moved the entire Winter Permit System online. or week to week I flip flop between feeling businesses, especially those relying on tourism, pack, monitoring the conditions,” he commented, feelings; font size indicates the most
reported feelings for all age
categories. Avalanche Canada focused on developing happy where I am at and overwhelmed. I prolonged restrictions were beginning to take a “but not right now, so you are not as informed. frequently chosen words.
am overwhelmed by the news and some- hard toll. RMR opened as usual, but by the end of
times just by day to day affairs. I feel small.” December numbers were down sixty percent over
▪ “It’s difficult to pinpoint my feelings and I the previous year, as were overall hotel occupancy
think that’s probably true for many people. rates. Despite this, RMR remained committed
I value my friendships and feel connected, to staying open. Season pass sales were up
but miss my interactions with friends and, seventeen percent over last year, and RMR saw
more so, strangers” opportunity to support a “hyper-local” clientele
▪ “A lot of uncertainty in the world but feeling for whom skiing and boarding were important for
good about where we live (having outdoor physical and mental health. Concern over staff
spaces to enjoy and a “safe” community)” recruitment was abated by domestic workforce.
The survey helped shed light on what many As Peter Nielsen remarked, “[a] kid who grew up
were calling the “newly vulnerable.” Who in Toronto would be remiss if they didn’t spend a
was being hardest hit by the pandemic? For season in a mountain town.”23
Revelstoke, the answer was youth. In a resort By early February, cumulative COVID-19 cases
community, youth were particularly vulnerable, in Revelstoke rose to over two hundred. Per capita
especially those living in precarious, overcrowded infection rates became one of the highest in the
housing situations and employed in frontline province. RMR changed its messaging from “stay
tourism and retail sector jobs that no longer safe and follow provincial guidelines” to “[b]e the
existed. The ability to attend post-secondary reason we keep our season.”24
10 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 11
Makes it challenging to jump into it.”26 Avalanche Addendum (June 2021)
Canada responded to the information gap by By the end of March 2021, as the number
leveraging the Mountain Information Network, as of COVID-19 cases neared 300, three signifi-
well as adding capacity in the field and snowpack cant events converged to change the course
modeling to operations.27 Many guides became of the pandemic in Revelstoke: March 30th
certified to teach Avalanche Safety Training (AST) RMR announced that due to COVID-19-related
courses, as the predicted surge of newcomers to staff shortages the mountain was closed for
the backcountry resulted in increased demand the season; March 30th the Provincial Health
for avalanche safety and awareness training. Authority implemented the first three-week “circuit
Revelstoke Search and Rescue (SAR) volumes were breaker” increasing restrictions, and; April 2nd
attenuated by the non-essential travel ban, but Interior Health and Mayor Sulz announced that
signs of inexperience continued to emerge as Parks Revelstoke would participate in the province’s
Canada logged record numbers of Winter Permit “Whole Community Vaccination Program” with
violations (e.g., touring in closed areas), and SAR residents eighteen-plus able to access COVID-19
members responded to false alarms (e.g., emer- vaccines as early as April 8th. By mid-May, the
gency locator devices going off in backpacks).28 number of new COVID-19 cases in Revelstoke was
Pandemic paradoxes down to zero for the second week in a row and
78% of people in the Revelstoke region over the
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulner-
The COVID-19 abilities and elevated opportunities. Everyone
age of 18 had had at least one dose of a COVID-19
vaccine, one of the highest per capita vaccination
– from government to business, social agencies,
pandemic has exposed and households – has had to do the “quick pivot”
rates in the province.30 On the day of writing,
the author had just had her second dose. As the
in order to survive financially and emotionally. For
vulnerabilities and a mountain community with increasing depend-
second summer of the pandemic opens, there is a
sense of hope.
ence on a tourism economy, there has been high
elevated opportunities. tension between wanting visitors and not wanting Jill Zacharias is a community development consult-
visitors. People have sought to experience nature ant who worked for the City of Revelstoke as Social
Everyone – from yet need education on how to recreate in the Development Coordinator for over twelve years.
mountain environment safely and respectfully. Currently, Zacharias is the BC Manager of Growth and
government to business, Low-wage hospitality, retail, and tourism front-line Impact for the Tamarack Institute. She is an avid outdoor
staff, who have typically been undervalued, have recreationalist and has lived in Revelstoke since 1992.
social agencies, and experienced higher risks of infection, and busi-
Simon Hunt has an extensive and diverse background
nesses cannot remain open without them. More 7 https://revelstoke.civicweb.net/FileStorage/9D9D28BBE165 17 Personal interview, Sandra Riches, Executive Director, BC Summer trail running.
households – has than anything, though, a line in the sand has
in Emergency Management, with over twenty-fives
4C08853B96884E656805-Social%20Sector%20Survey%20 AdventureSmart, Jan 19, 2021 Photo: Bruno Long courtesy of
years’ experience, which includes Community Disaster Report%20-%202020-09-23.pdf Tourism Revelstoke
been drawn: there are those for whom the public 18 Personal interview, Mary Clayton, Avalanche Canada
had to do the “quick health guidelines apply (no travel, stay within your
Recovery. A few of his career highlights include hang-
8 https://www.revelstokereview.com/community/revelstoke-com- Communications Director, Jan 30,2021
ing out of helicopters for mountain search and rescue,
bubble), and those who believe the guidelines munity-response-network-delivers-groceries-for-first-time/ 19 https://revelstoke.civicweb.net/FileStorage/73AECB10298C
pivot” in order to don’t apply and continue to travel to recreate in
a city emergency program coordinator, a forest fire
9 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ 48B890E61E1E8BCDA52D-Revelstoke%20and%20Area%20
specialist for the provincial and federal governments,
Revelstoke. For Mayor Sulz, this has presented a bc-distilleries-making-free-hand-sanitizer-1.5502111 Community%20Well-Being%20Survey-%20P.pdf
survive financially and dilemma: “People are going to continue to keep
as well as performing a senior role in emergency
10 https://revelstokeartscouncil.com/wordpress/events/ 20 https://www.revelstokemountaineer.
coordination for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
coming because they feel outdoor activity is safe, partner-events/ com/b-c-minister-of-health-22-covid-19-cases-in-revelstoke/
emotionally. but other activities aren’t safe, and before you
Hunt is currently the public safety coordinator at
11 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ 21 https://www.revelstokereview.com/news/
Shambhala Music Festival, near Salmo BC, and has
know it we’ve got COVID and businesses are shut
worked as an emergency management consultant bc-parks-website-reservations-1.5583232 third-revelstoke-business-closes-due-to-covid-19-exposure/ The need to “go outside
down.”29 12 Personal interview, Nick Irving, Mt. Revelstoke & Glacier National 22 https://globalnews.ca/news/7495297/coronavirus-rev-
with the government and private sector since 2013.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be Parks Superintendent, Jan 25, 2021 elstoke-community-cluster-cases-covid-19-update/ and play” will likely grow,
felt for years to come. The need to “go outside References
13 https://vancouversun.com/news/rising-mountain-mishaps- 23 Personal interview, Peter Nielsen, RMR Vice-President
and play” will likely grow, along with the need to fuelled-by-pandemic-and-social-media Operations, Jan 11, 2021 along with the need to
manage backcountry use and related growth 1 http://bc-revelstoke2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4791/
14 https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/ 24 https://www.revelstokemountainresort.com/ (Feb 13, 2021)
effectively. Industry and businesses dependent on TELUS-Insights
the-current-for-aug-20-2020-1.5693277/
manage backcountry
international travel will likely need to re-envision 2 https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/2020/03/16/ 25 Personal interview, Larry Stanier, ACMG Mountain Guide, Jan 15,
inexperienced-canadian-campers-leaving-waste-behind-and-
sustainability. Young people, who represent a go-outside-and-play-with-your-family/
risking-injury-and-animal-conflict-warn-experts-1.5693288;
2021
use and related growth
much-needed labour force, as well as our future, 3 Personal interview, Peter Nielsen, RMR Vice-President 26 Personal interview, Sylvain Hebert, ACMG Ski Guide, Jan 17, 2021
Personal interview, Nick Irving, Mt. Revelstoke & Glacier National
need to be better supported. One year into the Operations, Jan 11, 2021 Parks Superintendent, Jan 25, 2021 27 Email communication, Mary Clayton, Avalanche Canada effectively.
pandemic, the stories from our community are 4 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ Communications Director, Jan 29, 2021
15 https://www.krtourism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/
ones of adaptation, resilience, and change. There covid-19-bc-timeline-1.5520943 Kootenay-Rockies-Resident-Sentiment-Survey_Regional- 28 Personal interview, Nick Irving, Mt. Revelstoke & Glacier National
is opportunity to co-generate proactive dialogue, 5 Personal interview, Stacey Brensrud, Chamber of Commerce July30-2020.pdf Parks Superintendent, Jan 25, 2021; personal interview, Giles
to plan for a better future. For those living in a Executive Director, Jan 12, 2021 Shearing, Revelstoke SAR, Jan 21, 2021
16 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/pan-
mountain community, resilience will entail sharing 6 https://revelstoke.civicweb.net/FileStorage/9D9D28BBE165 demic-bc-alberta-tourism-tensions-1.5599998; https://www. 29 Personal interview, Mayor Gary Sulz, Jan 20, 2021
our backyard, as well as lessons learned from the 4C08853B96884E656805-Social%20Sector%20Survey%20 revelstokereview.com/news/revelstoke-mayor-urges-kindess- 30 https://www.revelstokereview.com/news/
past four seasons. Report%20-%202020-09-23.pdf after-recent-unwelcoming-events/ second-week-of-zero-new-covid-19-cases-in-revelstoke/
12 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 13
which may strengthen the widespread perception/ gateways to many remote mountains. Today, with
attitude/expectation that all information should climate change and glacial recession, access to
be free without regard to the amount of effort many of the more distant peaks has become more
required to produce the content. The reality is that difficult. My sense is that there is currently much less
it takes several thousands of hours to produce a interest in exploration in the ranges of the Western
guidebook, such as one of the current books for Cordillera.
On the retail side,
the Rockies. Instead of printing books, one option Some will opine that comprehensive guidebooks
might be to publish the guidebook online. At the are unnecessary because, in their opinion, many
the decimation of
moment, however, it is not clear whether issues peaks of a non-technical nature are not worth
such as hyperlinking pages and images that might climbing. In my opinion, mountains, irrespective of
local bookstores and
be used in a guidebook have been solved. Then their stature or difficulty, have much to give if one
there is the matter of the business case, and how approaches them as a supplicant rather than a
the onerous terms
to prevent one person from paying for an e-copy conqueror. A focus solely on technical challenge
and then distributing it to friends (or reposting it and chasing numbers feeds the ego but may pre-
demanded by major
online for everyone to use; there is no cost-effective clude the sublime experiences available from simply
way for small-run publications to obtain recourse being in the mountains for their own sake.
online retailers are major
or damages). One enduring argument in favour of I strongly suspect that the current crop of com-
paper is the common comment on my guidebooks prehensive, printed mountaineering guidebooks
obstacles to selling small
from climbers about how much they enjoy simply will be the last of this genre due to the amount of
kicking-back, reading a book, and perusing the time required to research and write such books, the
boutique print runs
photographs, without needing to view the informa- breadth of expertise necessary, the small print-runs
tion on a screen. and the financial costs with low returns. However,
such as mountaineering
On the retail side, the decimation of local it may be premature to write the epitaph for such
bookstores and the onerous terms demanded by books; perhaps in the next decade, combatting
guidebooks.
major online retailers are major obstacles to selling climate change will lead to much less travel and
small boutique print runs such as mountaineering to more interest in our own backyards, resulting in
guidebooks. greater demand for the broad sweep of informa-
Almost sixty years ago, when I first started climb- tion available in a comprehensive alpine guidebook A selection of the author’s published
ing in the Selkirks, extensive glaciers provided easy – just don’t hold your breath! guidebooks.
The Future of Comprehensive Alpine Guidebooks
The author on the summit of Mount David P. Jones
P
Peck in 2016, researching for Rockies
South. Photo: Helen Sovdat redicting the future of comprehensive alpine guidebooks is about as insightful
as divining the future using pigs’ entrails or tea leaves. One can find evidence
for whatever one wants to believe. As the author of a number of comprehensive
alpine guidebooks, I often wonder as to their future.
Alpine guidebooks, hopefully, provide useful on a small number of peaks and routes, in the
By their very nature, information on possible climbing objectives; they process increasing our individual and collective
are not “how-to” books. They should provide environmental impacts. These books also reinforce
selected guides provide sufficient details so that a party can identify and an attitude that only selected animals/plants/peaks
access a peak or route, without detracting from are important or have value. By their very nature,
information on a limited the adventure and fun of finding one’s way in the selected guides provide information on a limited
mountains – less is often more! It is helpful if infor- number of peaks and routes – so where does one
number of peaks and mation is presented in a consistent format, allowing go to find information on alternate peaks or routes?
parties to compare different routes in order to Internet-based information sources poten-
routes – so where determine if a proposed objective is within their tially provide a cost-effective and easily updated
capability. While historical content is not important alternative to printed books. At the present time,
does one go to find to some, a guidebook may document the climbing in my opinion, these databases leave much to be
history of any given peak, thus assisting interested desired. Information is usually limited to what some
information on alternate parties in identifying opportunities for exploration, party has decided to climb and post, with little or no
such as new routes and possibly unclimbed peaks. overall editorial overview to ensure accuracy, com-
peaks or routes? The comprehensive alpine guidebook is an pleteness, or consistent presentation of material.
endangered genre due to the advent of selected Often entries are more story than route description,
guides – a situation compounded by the appear- and they rarely provide historical details on other
ance of various internet-based databases. routes.
Unfortunately, selected guides encourage a focus Information on the internet is often unreliable,
14 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 15
knowledge, alongside Western Science, will be begin with formal introductions and an explan-
Stoney Cultural Monitoring: necessary to face the global challenges posed by
issues like climate change.
ation of the project to our Elders (including what
we have learned in the Planning Step), and we
How the Stoney Nakoda First Nations are The first step in the cultural monitoring process
is Planning. This is when we gather and discuss
show the Elders the area where we’ll be working
with maps, photographs, and/or video. Elders
Informing Science in the Rocky Mountains, and a proposed project, its timeline and logistics, etc.
During the planning stage, it is very important
then share their knowledge of the area: stories
about their own personal experiences, or the
Whenever we begin an
Preserving Traditional Knowledge in the Process that we hear about existing management prac-
tices, and on-going studies in the project area, so
experiences of their family members and relatives.
Many of these stories have never before been
important undertaking,
that we may best understand the environment documented. The stories are carefully recorded,
that we are going to be working in, for our Elders, as per the instruction of the Elders, and archived
we begin with a
technicians, consultation officers, and contract- for posterity.
ors. The planning stage also includes a process The fourth step in the cultural monitoring
Ceremony, and make
for Elders to share and review information. process is Fieldwork. In this step, the consultation
The second step of the cultural monitoring officers and/or technicians travel out to the pro-
offerings, as we are
process is Ceremony. This is very important and ject area, and observe activities on the landscape.
is in keeping with the cultural protocols of the Their observation in the field is informed not from
asking for knowledge for
Stoney Nakoda. Whenever we begin an important Western Science, but rather from the traditional
undertaking, we begin with a Ceremony, and knowledge passed along at the Elder Interview,
an important reason.
make offerings, as we are asking for knowledge as well as from other local traditional stories,
for an important reason. In attendance are our history, and language of the Stoney Nakoda.
Pipe holders, Elders, technicians, and consultation Observations from the field have included cultural
officers in order to show respect for the journey of indicators, as well as wildlife migration or habitat,
understanding that everyone is about to experi- weather patterns, changes in vegetation, the Elders, Technicians, and Stoney
ence. A Pipe Ceremony is conducted, so that we presence or absence or traditional medicines, the Consultation at Elder Reconnection
can begin in a good way. presence of minerals or mineral licks, and water Meeting at Stoney Indian Park, Morley,
The third step are the Elder Interviews, which sources, among others. AB. Photo: Bill Snow.
Stoney Trail Riders at Yaha Tinda Bill Snow
T
Ranch, heading to the Bison
Reintroduction Zone, Fieldwork step. he Stoney Cultural Monitoring process was developed in a 2016 Stoney Grizzly
Photo: Bill Snow. Study entitled “Enhancing grizzly bear management programs through the
inclusion of cultural monitoring and traditional ecological knowledge.”1 This pro-
cess or methodology was needed to describe the major steps used in understanding
traditional knowledge of the Stoney Nakoda, for a number of projects taking place in
Stoney Nakoda Traditional Territory, which comprises Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and
foothills, from Jasper National Park in the north, to Glacier National Park in Montana in
the south, and as far east as the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
The need to utilize Indigenous traditional Utilizing traditional knowledge, through a
Life is not only human knowledge in today’s world was called for by
Chief John Snow in his book, These Mountains
process or methodology like “Stoney Cultural
Monitoring,” is important in providing broader
life, but the life of the are Our Sacred Places: The Story of the Stoney perspectives about nature, wildlife, and land-
People (2005): scapes. Historically, traditional knowledge has
forest, the trees, the Life is not only human life, but the life of the forest, not been given the same standing as Western
the trees, the elements of nature, and so on. The Science, where there is a strong foundation of
elements of nature, elders were saying that unless modern society is in established studies and ongoing investigation.
tune with those things, it will continue to destroy, pol- Within western-scientific epistemologies, there
and so on. lute, and make bigger machines and greater weap- exists a widespread disregard for the validity or
ons that eventually will destroy the planet Earth. The importance of traditional knowledge, and this
elders believe we must teach all of our brothers and omission is exacerbated by the incremental loss of
sisters that life is sacred and very valuable and was Indigenous languages and culture globally.
created for a purpose. Everything is interrelated, and One way to correct this trend is to conduct
we must live in harmony in the renewal process of more traditional knowledge studies, where
the seasons. The fundamental basis of our teachings knowledge can be obtained and preserved,
is to respect the Great Spirit’s creation – Mother Earth and hopefully utilized in the wider management
and her inhabitants – and to remember them in our processes for natural resources, wildlife, forests,
prayers and our ceremonies.2 and so on. I believe that utilizing traditional
16 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 17Hišimy̓awiƛ: A Naming Story
Mary Sanseverino and Geoff Bennett Hišimy̓ awiƛ full of morning light. The
N
view that holds the gaze of these
ames are important. In 2019, a hut built by the Alpine Club of Canada was climbers is Triple Peak to the S-SW.
honoured with an Indigenous name: Hišimy̓awiƛ (Hi-SHIM-ya-wit). It means Photo: Mary Sanseverino.
“Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet)
First Nation, one of several Nuu-chah-nulth peoples who have lived on the west coast
for millennia. The hut sits high on the flank of a Vancouver Island peak, overlooking
the Pacific Ocean.
Post-secondary students at Tunnel The fifth step is the Elder Reconnection traditional knowledge is circulated in commun- In mountain communities, as elsewhere, were involved in discussions with ACC-VI from
Mountain, Banff, AB, for Educational Meeting. In this step, we have Elders meet with Looking west from Hišimy̓ awiƛ.
ities, and can be used as an education tool. names carry significance. When gifted to a the beginning. Early in the process, Jensen and
Outreach and learning about the consultation officers and technicians to discuss Hidden Peak rises from the morning
It is my hope that the Stoney Cultural location, they help us understand and shape Construction Manager Chris Ruttan hiked with Pacific Ocean cloud.
importance of Indigenous perspec- what was observed in the field. This is an oppor-
tives on land and wildlife. Monitoring process can be a method that other meaning for that place. In Nuu-chah-nulth members of c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) up 5040 to view Photo: Mary Sanseverino.
tunity for technicians to relay their experiences
Photo: Bill Snow. First Nations communities can utilize in developing traditions, names are celebrated in actions,
of what was observed in the project area with
their relationship with researchers and post-sec- ceremonies, songs, and stories.
the aid of photographs, videos, and personal
ondary institutions in bridging the gap between In early 2016, Project Leader Chris Jensen pre-
accounts. In return, our Elders are able to provide
Western Science and Traditional Knowledge in the sented a plan to members of the Alpine Club of
their perspectives of what is happening on the
landscape. These interpretations are carefully mountains, and beyond. Canada – Vancouver Island Section (ACC-VI) to
documented and recorded. build an alpine all-season hut below 5040 Peak.
The traditional The sixth step is Report Writing. This is where all Bill Snow is a member of the Wesley Band of the But long before this, he consulted with local First
of the information, from the Planning, Ceremony, Stoney Nakoda Nation, and is the Consultation Nations to discuss potential sites. Chris noted,
knowledge is circulated Elder Interview, Fieldwork, and Elder Reconnection Manager for Stoney Consultation at the Stoney “[t]he ridges of 5040 Peak form the boundaries
Meeting are synthesized and presented in a final Tribal Administration, Morley, Alberta. of several large watersheds. Therefore, they also
in communities, and can report. The Report summarizes the outcomes and form the natural boundaries for five First Nations:
References Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Tla-o-qui-aht, Tseshaht, Hupačasath
provides recommendations.
be used as an The seventh and final step of the Stoney and Uchucklesaht. Like the hub of a wheel, 5040
1 Stoney Consultation. (2016) Enhancing grizzly bear manage- Peak is a special nexus and an ideal location to
Cultural Monitoring process is Outreach. This is
education tool. where Stoney Consultation will go out into the
ment programs through the inclusion of cultural monitoring bring together youth from the region. I do not
and traditional ecological knowledge. Unpublished report know if there is a better single viewpoint than the
community and conduct educational presenta-
prepared by the Stoney Nakoda Nations for Environment summit of 5040 Peak to observe and appreciate
tions on the project and its findings. Presentations
are made to elementary schools, post-secondary Canada. the traditional territories of so many First Nations.”1
schools, environmental and conservation groups, 2 John Snow, These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places: The Story of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht,
or at workshops and conferences. In this way, the the Stoney People (1977; Calgary: Fifth House, 2005), 239. Hupačasath, and Uchucklesaht First Nations
18 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 19a closer relationship with the ACC. In response, Mary Sanseverino is an active ACC member Two of the three yellow cedar poles
the Section set up a First Nations Liaison (Vancouver Island and Columbia Mountains given by the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation
Subcommittee. Sections) and also serves on the ACC’s national to the Alpine Club of Canada -
Chris Jensen suggested the Subcommittee Nomination Committee. She is a Corresponding Vancouver Island Section glow in
ask the Warrior Youth to name the hut. He felt sunset light. The intricate hand
Member to the International Climbing and
rails leading up to Hišimy̓ awiƛ
they would be able to speak with their elders and Mountaineering Federation’s (UIAA) Mountain
are designed by hut Construction
help lead the way to consensus. In early 2019, Protection Commission and is a research associate Manager Chris Ruttan.
Ricardo and the group took up the challenge. The with the Mountain Legacy Project at the University of Photo: Mary Sanseverino.
Warriors began by proposing an English name: Victoria’s School of Environmental Studies.
On the ridge above Cobalt Lake the proposed site. The Tla-o-qui-aht gifted three the Section to determine. It would have to be gifted “Gathering Place.” This sounded good but the
Geoff Bennett is a longtime mountaineer and ACC
Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ elders demurred, noting that the word
looking N-NW. These are some of the magnificent yellow cedar logs that today anchor from one or more First Nations. member, and a recipient of the ACC’s Don Forest
traditional lands of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, the front of Hišimy̓awiƛ. Support from local First Initially, this proved challenging, but a group “place” implied a sense of ownership. Traditional
Service Award. He has served the Vancouver Island
Toquaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Tseshaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ place names honour activities prac-
Nations was important for securing approval of Indigenous youth led the way. Relationships Section in various capacities as Treasurer, Memorial
Hupačasath, and Uchucklesaht
from the Provincial government. between the youth, their leaders, and the ACC-VI ticed at that location, not ownership.
First Nations. Many of the mountains
Fund Administrator, and First Nations Liaison.
Over the next two years, hundreds of people began in 2016, when Carlos Mack of the Toquaht The elders suggested “Gather Together”
along the horizon are also part of instead. The youth agreed and asked the Nuu- References
devoted time, energy, and money to the project. Nation successfully applied for a $1,500 youth
Clayoquot Plateau Provincial Park chah-nulth Council in Port Alberni for a translation Members of the Warrior Youth at
or Strathcona Provincial Park. The “5040 Peak Hut” was officially opened on grant from the Section. They used it to purchase
into the Barkley Sound dialect of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ 1. Qtd. in Geoff Bennett and Mike Hubbard, “Hišimy̓awiƛ: Gather Hišimy̓ awiƛ, October 2019.
Photo: Mary Sanseverino. October 20th, 2018. This prosaic name lacked climbing gear for the “Warrior Youth,” a land- Photo: Mike Hubbard
Nation. Subsequently, the Toquaht elders sug- Together,” Aspects: The ACC Blog, January 2, 2020.
Indigenous meaning but served as a useful based Indigenous leadership program in the
placeholder. Ucluelet-Tofino area. gested a minor spelling change. The Tla-o-qui-aht
A more traditional name would demonstrate In 2018, ACC-VI members led several Warrior elders approved, and other Nations in the area
Hišimy̓ awiƛ and the view looking
support of First Nations for a hut on their territory Youth on a rainy weekend of climbing in trad- were notified. In September 2019, the ACC-VI exec-
southwest. Triple Peak (centre left),
and honour the developing relationship with ACC-VI. itional Toquaht territory. By this time, Dr. Ricardo utive unanimously approved the suggestion.
The Cats Ears (centre right),
and sunrise clouds rolling in Meaningful names that incorporate Indigenous Manmohan of Tofino was leading the program. On Saturday, Oct 5th, 2019, Warrior Youth mem-
from the Pacific Ocean. ways of knowing place require respectful, strong ties He recognized the importance of getting these bers Evan Touchie, Ethan Tom, Daniel Williams,
Photo: Mary Sanseverino. to the land itself. However, such a name was not for teens into the mountains and wanted to foster Tyson Touchie, and Hayden Seitcher, along
with ACC-VI youth Iain Sou, Evelyn Sou and Aila
Gessinger, summited 5040 Peak. Upon returning
to the hut, the Warriors gathered in ceremony,
drumming and singing Welcome and Victory
songs to the assembled crowd. Representing elders
from Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Toquaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First
Nations, they gifted the Alpine Club of Canada with
the new name: Hišimy̓awiƛ.
This is the first time the Alpine Club of Canada
has worked directly with First Nations to name a
hut. It marks a cultural milestone in our history
and demonstrates respect for Indigenous ways of
knowing the land. May everyone gather together
at Hišimy̓awiƛ both to enjoy the mountains and
honour the pure spirit of this place.
20 The Alpine Club of Canada State of the Mountains Report 2021 21You can also read
