Indigenous youth up north are getting a helping hand in becoming river guides.
Whitehorse, Yukon’s Canadian River Expeditions is continuing its partnership with Dinjii Zhuh Adventures for its Indigenous Youth River Guide Training Program. This initiative aims to empower Indigenous youth by providing them with the skills and knowledge to become river guides and reconnecting them with their ancestral lands and traditions.
Dinjii Zhuh Adventures, founded with a vision to rediscover ancient trails and foster connections with the land, hopes the program helps ensure a vibrant future where Indigenous wisdom and stewardship can thrive. At the heart of this endeavor is the Indigenous Youth River Guide Training Program to help improve the lives of youth ages 18-35, spearheaded by Bobbi Rose Koe, a respected guide with Canadian River Expeditions.
Bobbi Rose Koe, renowned for her leadership and deep understanding of the rivers of the Peel Watershed, brings to the program a generational connection to the land spanning millennia, dedicating her life to advocating for environmental issues, particularly concerning the Peel River Watershed and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The Indigenous Youth River Guide Training Program, spearheaded by Rose Koe and Canadian River Expeditions’ Joel Hibbard, represents one of the first steps on this journey. This initiative provides Indigenous youth with the skills and knowledge to become river guides, reconnecting them with their ancestral lands and traditions.
“From the first day I met Bobbi, I had an inkling of impactful projects ahead,” says Hibbard. “Together, we built this company to find the old trails, to reconcile the past while ensuring a vibrant future where Indigenous wisdom and stewardship thrive.”
Chase Yakelaya and Olivia Dragon, participants of the program, are now apprenticing as guides with Nahanni River Adventures. “Through the Naha Dehé, our paths were braided together, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” says Dragon. The partnership also aims to provide Indigenous youth with access to their traditional lands, while fostering a deep connection with nature, and preserving cultural heritage. “Every one of us holds so much knowledge and power, and together we can form connections like no other,” says Hibbard. “We thrive when we are connected to our land.”
Canadian River Expeditions and Dinjii Zhuh Adventures are committed to investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in shaping a sustainable future.
About Dinjii Zhuh Adventures: Dinjii Zhuh Adventures is a pioneering outdoor adventure company co-founded by Bobbi Rose Koe, a Tetlit Gwich’in leader and river guide, with a vision to rediscover ancient trails and foster connections with the land. Rooted in Indigenous wisdom and stewardship, Dinjii Zhuh Adventures offers immersive experiences that empower individuals to explore and embrace the natural world while honoring cultural heritage. Through guided expeditions, educational programs, and community partnerships, Dinjii Zhuh Adventures is committed to promoting environmental conservation, economic reconciliation, and cultural revitalization in the North. Info: https://www.dinjiizhuh.com/.
About Canadian River Expeditions: Canadian River Expeditions is a premier adventure outfitter specializing in guided rafting and paddling expeditions in some of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas of northern Canada and Alaska. With a legacy spanning over three decades, their expert guides and staff are committed to providing unforgettable experiences while prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation. Canadian River Expeditions offers a diverse range of trips suited for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Canadian River Expeditions is a 1% For the Planet member business. Info: http://nahanni.com