Alumni Field Trip: Fish Creek Provincial Park Indigenous-Led Nature Walk

Join fellow UCalgary alumni in an exploration of the richness of Indigenous culture during this summer field trip. These dynamic sessions will be led by esteemed community leaders as they take you on a nature walk through Fish Creek Provincial Park in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). Dive into art, the environment, language and tradition as you embark on a journey of learning and appreciation.  

Choose from the two tours below, hosted by the Southern Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. 

Thanks for joining us for this event! 

Special alumni pricing (50% off public rate):  

• 0-5 years: free 
• 6-17 years: $7.50 (per tour)
• 18 and up: $25 (per tour)

Choose from the following two tour times:  

• 12:45 - 2.30 p.m.: Nature walk with Api’soomaahka (Running Coyote) 
• 1:15 - 3 p.m.: Traditional games with Elder Mary Ellen Little Mustache 

Each tour is 90 minutes.  

Tobacco Pod Woman/Mary Ellen Little Mustache

Nawaksaaki (Tobacco Pod Woman)/Elder Mary Ellen Little Mustache from Piikani First Nation is a strong advocate for retaining, relearning and promoting her first language of Blackfoot. She offers workshops and programs for the traditional games and explains the history, the use of natural materials and the meaning of the Blackfoot terminology for these games. Much of her knowledge comes from her parents, colleagues and the Elders she has known throughout her life.  

(Running Coyote/William Singer III) 

Api’soomaahka (Running Coyote) William Singer III is a member of the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. His main profession is as an artist/illustrator with more than 40 years of experience. He devotes a lot of time as an educator, an entrepreneur, and an environmental and political activist, utilizing Blackfoot ecological knowledge and protocol. He currently operates Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank and teaches at the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society. He is member of the Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association, the Oldman Watershed Council and a board member of the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association. 

These tours begin from Votier’s Flats Parking Lot at Fish Creek Provincial Park (13511 Elbow Dr. S.W.). 

Leaving from the picnic tables by the washrooms adjacent to the Votier’s Flats parking lot at the very south end of Elbow Drive, participants will explore one to two kilometres of flat, paved and gravel pathways meandering between creekside meadows and forested picnic areas. The tours are stroller-, wagon- and wheelchair-accessible.    

Exposed at times to the extreme sun, precipitation and/or wind of the grasslands, participants are advised to consult local weather forecasts, pack plenty of water and dress accordingly.  

The walks will be led by a certified hiking guide who aims to ensure the comfort and experience of all participants by mitigating the environmental hazards and offering first aid assistance if necessary.    

For both the walks and the traditional games, youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.   

Dogs and other pets are not allowed, in respect of the guest speakers and the other participants. Bikes and scooters are also not permitted.   

Please note there are no refunds within 48 hours of the program start time. 

If ticket price is a barrier, please email alumni@ucalgary.ca. Prices reflect the full cost of operating these walks, including fairly compensating Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders; however, all are welcome.  

The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s mission is to safeguard, connect, and expand Alberta’s parks and wilderness. CPAWS is committed to acknowledging and educating on the history of Indigenous erasure in conservation and the outdoors. They work to amplify Indigenous-led conservation efforts to protect Treaty lands for future generations.