By Jasmine Majoros
What started out as a curiosity for the mountains turned into an unexpected journey of discovery and preservation of cultural connection. Soul of Miistaki is a non-profit indigenous-led outdoor program that offers a range of activities to everyone from all walks of life. Its participants will not only enjoy rock climbing and hiking but will have the chance to learn about and create their own connections to the traditional indigenous lands of the mountains. Many have come a long way to take part in this unique experience and did not entirely expect to leave with more than what they brought with them.
And that is what happened when Cassie Ayoungman also decided to embrace the outdoor mountain life. When she started out with hiking and climbing, she figured it was good because she was contributing to her health and active lifestyle. But after realizing that it was just as good for her mental health and thought of it as very therapeutic, there was especially a holistic feeling as she began to feel connected to her traditional indigenous territory. Thus began her journey to help break barriers with indigenous knowledge and healing through “movement” and self-growth.
When she first began collaborating with Dirtbabe Collective, another women’s organization, they were able to bring 10 women from Siksika to climb. Then from there, they had elders come to smudge and teach the participants about the history. Along the way, as word spread, others came forward offering their time and skills to contribute to her cause. It was a big learning experience for Ayoungman trying to get this plan off the ground. But with her dedication and hard work, 4 years later, she officially became the founder of Soul of Miistaki, joining her team as well as board members Coralia Sevilla and Lexie Obey. She goes on to mention and thank all the volunteers, guides, businesses, and folks that contributed/donated to helping continue Soul of Miistaki’s work: Arc’teryx Alberta, Onward Up Campus, and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
As of recently, she has worked with Trevor Solway to create a short film about her journey, which is set to premiere in late spring. It will be an awe-inspiring short film that takes a glimpse into one of their cultural climbing camps. Soul of Miistaki is solely based out of Canmore and Calgary, and Ayoungman hopes to see her business running on the Siksika reservation, particularly having an indoor climbing center built for the community. This year, they will also be having their 5th Annual Culture Climbing Camp. Although it’s an intimidating sport, they assure their programs are geared towards making it easy for beginners and focus on getting the climbers to get out of their comfort zone and promote self-growth.
“I find that the mountains have a soul, and there’s a lot to learn from the mountains. They humble you, make you cry, they make you feel all these feelings when you’re exploring them. I wanted a Blackfoot word in there, so I sat on it for 4 months, and then Soul of Miistaki is what it meant,” explains Cassie Ayoungman.
