February 27, 2025, 11:30am-10pm

Cost: Sliding scale $30-$200

Deadline to Apply: February 20, 2025

Bow Valley Howl Experience

This Experience will take place in Banff and Canmore, Alberta, traditionally known as Mînî Hîrhpa and Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi by the Îyârhe Nakoda. Throughout the program we will travel through the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta, the traditional territories of the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations, Niitsitapi Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina and the Métis Nation (Region 3).

Youth ages 17-35 living in the Bow Valley are invited to join this 1-day Howl Experience to learn what ReconciliACTION can look and feel like, foster personal resilience through community-based wellness, and explore opportunities for greater involvement in the Bow Valley community.

Program participants will:

  • Gather in circle with Stoney Nakoda Elders

  • Walk with and learn from Stoney Nakoda Knowledge Holders

  • Tour the Cave and Basin National Historic Site with Daryl Kootenay

  • Support the Warm UP, hosted by the Folk Festival in collaboration with the Town of Canmore and Howl

  • Connect with other youth from the communities of the Bow Valley

Program Details.

Start time: 11:30pm at the Cave & Basin National historic Site in Banff. Participants are responsible for coordinating their travel to the start location.

Program:

We'll spend the afternoon together on a Stoney Nakoda led walk and tour of the Cave & Basin, learning about the history of Banff National Park and current efforts towards ReconciliAction.

For our evening in Canmore, we’ll collaborate with the Town of Canmore and Canmore Folk Festival’s Warm Up event. We’ll explore opportunities for youth engagement in the Bow Valley, community-based wellness through volunteering, and ReconciliAction.

Transportation: Departure from Banff will be at 3:30pm. Participants will travel to Canmore in a BanffLife-provided van or in personal vehicles. Howl will assist with coordinating transportation and carpooling for participants.

Food: Dinner will be provided in Canmore. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch and snacks for throughout the day.

End time: The event and programming will end at 10pm with transportation to Banff provided, but participants are invited to stay for the Warm Up volunteer after party in Canmore!