CANMORE – It’s all in the questioning, said Tracey Gage, executive director of the Interpretive Guides Association.
That’s what sets apart a good interpretive guide from an exceptional guide, and a good experience from an incredible and inspirational experience.
Anyone with questions about the wonders of the Canadian Rockies natural world won’t want to miss Wild About Nature, a full-day event planned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA).
Taking place at the Canmore Nordic Centre on April 27, the full-day event features guided walks, presentations and workshops with some of the Rockies’ most knowledgeable, entertaining and inspiring nature experts.
Founded 20 years ago, the IGA is the non-profit association that establishes and maintains high professional standards in heritage interpretation in the mountain parks of western Canada. The organization trains interpretive guides to a high level of certification and knowledge – not only in the practical areas of group management on the trails in winter or summer, but also in the geology, ecology, wildlife and biology of the Rockies.
“Those with IGA credentials are more than just ushers getting people to the top of mountains,” Gage said.
“They will open their guests’ eyes to discover the stories behind the views.”
Among the events taking place at Wild About Nature day include a forest fire talk by retired park warden and fire specialist Cliff White and a “re-wild yourself” walk with edible plant specialist Julie Walker in which participants will learn to safely identify four edible or medicinal plants of the montane valley. There will also be an introduction to proper Nordic walking technique with Mandy Johnson, a navigation101 “how to get unlost” orientation and map-reading skills course with Jenna Nodding, and a storytelling workshop with transformation specialist Nicole Fougere.
Other workshops feature Indigenous plant harvesting with Tim Patterson, a walk showing how trees and plants respond to fire with IGA master interpreter Dave Verhulst, a talk by Parks Canada interpreters on dialogic interpretation, and retired lawyer Ross Mitchell who will explain and demystify waivers and liability insurance. Add to that, master interpreter Dave Holder will share a session on wilderness survival for short outdoor trips.
“Dave’s knowledge and way with people and the outdoors is not to be missed,” Gage said. “He has been working on the TV show Alone for five seasons now as their survival expert and he is here to share those tips with us. That’s an opportunity few people get. Also, having Cliff White come to talk about fire in the mountain national parks is super special. He is the guy behind prescribed fire, and his passion for what he has done with his life work is incredible.”
Balancing fire with water, international expert on water security with the United Nation, Bob Sandford – one the IGA’s 19 master interpreters, the highest level of accreditation – will share a free presentation titled Water in the World We Want.
“Bob Sandford is always inspirational and great to listen to,” Gage said. “This year he is sharing some brand new climate research findings and that’s something we all need to know more about.”
Another presentation will discuss the art – and value - of questioning, of drawing people into the mystery and deep learning of the natural word by exploring ways to ask meaningful questions, led by Fougere.
“As an interpretive guide, questioning helps our audiences join the conversation, become a part of our programs and get involved,” said Gage, who is also an IGA master interpreter. “It is a way for me as the guide to learn about my guests and cater what I am sharing with them to their experiences, understanding and needs. As a guide, what I show, share and discover with my guests is about them, not me, and asking the right questions is how I can ensure I get there with them.”
Some of the events will involve a walk outdoors for an hour or two, others will take place indoors at the Nordic Centre, some will be offered free of charge, while others will cost a small fee.
If all that isn’t enough, the Wild About Nature marketplace on the second-floor banquet room will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring two dozen tables sharing information, stories, games and offers from local companies, individuals and non-profit organizations, including skulls, tracks, fur, scat and print replicas for sale at the IGA marketplace booth.
The icing on the cake, Gage promised, will be actual icing a big birthday cake, plus door prizes, including water bottles, shirts, buffs from IGA and sponsor Basecamp Properties and Grizzly Paw Brewery, and copies of Canadian Rockies Annual magazine.
“We have been inspiring guides and visitors to this place for 20 years - that’s a big accomplishment,” Gage said. “We want to celebrate our successes with our members and the public. Come on out, connect to nature, learn about this incredible place we call home, join the community.
“Learn about guides and guiding, whether you may consider hiring a guide or becoming a guide, and if you are already a guide - from any association - gain some valuable professional development credits and become better at what you do. There really is something for everyone.”
Registration is recommended. Visit interpretiveguides.org/events/ to learn more or to sign up for events.
