Harvesting Spirit: An Exploration of Indigenous Food Sovereignty

September 27-October 2, 2024

Rockies Explorations are based in Canmore, Alberta, traditionally known as 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 of Alberta (Rocky View Métis District).

The Howl Experience is pleased to provide an 6-day “Harvesting Spirit” Exploration program for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, ages 17-35. Harvesting Spirit is an Indigenous food sovereignty youth program, where participants will learn Stoney Nakoda values, beliefs, traditional and contemporary food processes and practices. This opportunity will use both Indigenous and western Knowledge Systems to deepen youth’s understanding and participation in Indigenous food sovereignty issues and practices. Through a relationship-based and a primarily land-based learning approach, participants will learn first hand from Stoney Nakoda community Elders, leaders and Knowledge Keepers on their perspectives of sustainability and resilience from the front lines of reconciliation, climate change, and community identity restoration, preservation and protection. 

This program is currently full however we will continue to accept waitlist applications until the start of the program and accept participants on a first come, first served basis. 

Program highlights.

This program will explore the themes of truth and reconciliation, personal resiliency, climate action, and community building through the lens of Indigenous food sovereignty. Participants will have the option of completing Howl’s Land-based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction microcredential as part of this program.

Program Cost:
$500-$1500

Program includes:

  • Land-based learning with Indigenous Howl Experience staff members, contractors, Elders, and other Stoney Nakoda community partners

  • Traditional and contemporary food sovereignty workshops

  • Connection with the land through outdoor camping

  • Hands on learning with wild game, fruits & vegetation.

  • All meals for the duration of the program

This program offers guidance, education, coaching and support 24 hours/day for the duration of the program. Upon acceptance into the program, a $250 deposit is required to secure your spot.

We understand that cost can be a major consideration for participants and their families. We encourage youth to apply regardless of financial means as we do not wish for anyone to be deterred due to financial constraints. We will support youth in finding additional funding for the program as needed, please fill out an application and use the space provided if you have any questions regarding financial assistance.

“The Howl Experience will make your values clearer in your mind, and allow you to strengthen your path towards the future. The experiences that I had with connecting to diverse people in this program renewed my love of people, and gave me hope for the future.”

Rockies Exploration participant (2022)

Program details.

A group shuttle will be provided at the Calgary Airport to and from the program. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to meet this shuttle, or to and from the program accommodation.

Participants will spend the nights of the 27th, 28th, and 1st at the Biogeoscience Institute’s Barrier Lake Field Station, which is owned and operated by the University of Calgary.

The nights of the 29th & 30th will be spent on the land at a cultural food camp. Tents will be provided for these nights but youth will need to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. If you do not have access to these supplies, Howl is able to loan gear to participants.

Meet the Program Leaders.

  • Daryl Kootenay (he/him) is the Co-Director of Howl. He is a Traditional singer, dancer, artist, speaker, youth leader, and film maker. He is from the Stoney Nakoda Nation of Treaty 7 Territory in southern Alberta and a member of the Dine (Navajo) Nation in New Mexico from his father’s Heritage.

    Daryl has travelled globally to volunteer in countries such as Peru, Nicaragua and throughout Africa working with Canada World Youth (CWY) first as a participant, then an intern and employee. In 2022 Daryl led a fourth delegation of youth from his nation and CWY at the United Nations World Conference of Indigenous Peoples and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Rights. He attended the Young Global Diplomat Forum in London England in 2019.

    He now dedicates much of this time to working locally with Stoney Nakoda youth and youth throughout the Bow Valley. He is a teacher of traditional art and dance, the co-founder of the Stoney Nakoda Youth Council, group leader for the Project Nakoda Outdoor Wilderness Experience (NOWE), and co-convener of the Mni Ki Wakan: World Indigenous Decade of Water Summit. Daryl’s particular area of focus and expertise is in relationship with Truth and Reconciliation in the Bow Valley.

  • Theresa Westhaver (she/they) is of proud Secwépemc, Cree, Métis and mixed settler ancestry with deep stek̓lép (roots) in the mountain of what is now known as Jasper National Park.

    Theresa is a co-founder and the National Program Manager for Howl. Her passion is in inspiring students about conservation, and connections to truth and reconciliation through a two-eyed seeing approach.

    Theresa received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography at UNBC in 2018, with specializations in environmental science and glacial geomorphology. She is an interpretive glacier guide for Indigenous-owned Zuc’min Guiding, collaborates closely with Warrior Women, in addition to experience working as the Indigenous liaison for Jasper National Park, as well as an outdoor/sustainability educator for Parks Canada.

    Theresa also runs a small business called Mountain Stek̓lép. Mountain Stek̓lép is rooted in reciprocal relationships with the land, and bridges Indigenous ways of knowing and being with Theresa’s scientific background. It combines Theresa’s passion for creating art in the forms of beadwork and other sustainable pieces using upcycled and found materials, with her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of plants, landscapes, ecosystems and experience as an Apprentice Interpreter and IGA Hiking Guide in the Rocky Mountains.

    In 2022, she was awarded the honor of being a Corporate Knights “Top 30 Under 30 for Sustainability Leader”. She is a single mother who meaningfully weaves her young child into her work and community. Theresa is creating more sustainable communities today while supporting the next generation of sustainable leaders.

  • Lauren (she/her) grew up in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), located in the beautiful Treaty 7 territory. Her curiosity for the ocean and all living things within it drew her to Lekwungen territory to study at the University of Victoria where she gained her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies. Following this, she researched whales in the Pacific Northwest and elephants in South Africa, gaining her Master’s of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation. After the fun research times, Lauren started working as an Environmental Educator with high school students back in Treaty 7 Territory. She quickly saw that when youth have the opportunity to connect to the natural world and their community, amazing things happen. She wants to help create these opportunities, and facilitate more experiential and alternative learning that foster youth action and self-discovery. When she isn’t picking up the teenage slang at work, Lauren is usually in the mountains skiing, climbing or adventuring around with her best dog pal.