Willmore Wilderness Foundation ... a registered charitable foundation

2014 Annual Newsletter

... Inside—George Kelley’s story of the Yellowstone Wolves Photo by Arthur Veitch Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 2 Page 3 Annual Edition - 2014

President’s Report by Bazil Leonard NEW DVDs & Books Hello Everyone: Willmore Wilderness trailer playing on Long Road Home: 45:13 min - $20.00 the three TV large screens at the event We had a productive year in 2013. Wildie: 44:14 min - $20.00 and requested to meet with Susan. As Our RADF contract was fulfilled, and we a result of this meeting, Wild TV will Nominated for a Rosie Award in 2013 by Alberta Film & Television exceeded all expectations. We produced be broadcasting the People & Peaks Women of Willmore Wilderness: three new books and had a re-print on Productions’ documentaries beginning 44:50 min - $20.00 the first People & Peaks. We are in the March 8, 2014. The Willmore Wilderness final phases of completing the last two of Foundation has received the Confirmation four one-hour documentaries. People & of Broadcast letter from Wild TV for five People & Peaks Books $60.00 Peaks Productions has also produced three of our one-hour documentaries. We have teaching videos called the Packhorse Pete also received Canadian Radio-Television For stories and information on the Series. These are ideal vignettes for anyone and Telecommunications Commission who wants to learn about how to pack a Approval for Broadcast. people, traditions & culture horse, boxes and proper saddling techniques of Alberta’s northern Rockies for travelling into the backcountry. Congratulations go out to People go to: & Peaks Productions as Laura Vinson PeopleandPeaks.com We coordinated film festivals and Dave Martineau were nominated WillmoreWilderness.com for Women of Willmore Wilderness in for the best sound track in the movie Edmonton, Edson, Banff, Hinton, Jasper, Wildie in 2013 for the Alberta Film & AlbertaRockiesAdventures.com Valemount, Grande Cache and Grande Television Awards, Rosie Awards. We have Prairie and had excellent turnouts. competitive documentaries and are proud Contact: [email protected] The Board of Directors has decided to of our production staff. invest its energies into film festival and/ 1866-WILMORE or 1-866-945-6673 or 1-780-827-2696 or dinner/film fests, rather than our One of the important goals we have Box 93 Grande Cache, Alberta T0E 0Y0 Canada traditional auctions. They feel that it is a in the Willmore Wilderness Foundation is better way to educate the public, market educating local young people in traditional books and videos and get the story out. skills and in multimedia skills to further We will keep you posted as to the 2014 our story. We wish to sincerely thank the schedules, as we will be premiering MD of Greenview for its support, during Bazil Leonard: Photo by Sue Feddema-Leonard Mountain Metis: A Forgotten People and the coming year, of two youth who will Abandoned Trails & Diamond Hitches. be mentored in film production, including Inside This Edition cinematography, editing, multimedia The Willmore Susan Feddema-Leonard has been disciplines, Adobe Creative Suite, social working as a volunteer on the Board media, community partnering initiatives Wilderness Foundation has President’s Report 3 ARA Marketing 14 of Directors of “Women in Film and and basic officeadministration skills. received a Television Alberta” (WIFTA). WIFTA hosted ”Martini Madness” at the Banff We spent forty days trail clearing Confirmation of Broadcast 2013 Trail Clearing Report 5 The Spirit Sings Tour 15 World Media Festival in June 2013. Susan during the summer of 2013, and eighty- letter from Wild TV for February 2014 agreed to do the graphic design and print two-year-old Tom Wanyandie accompanied Willmore Wilderness Foundation Moccasin Telegraph 6 2012 Finances 18 & 19 the WIFTA Martini Madness Brochure. us. He was a great asset to the trail crew. five of our one-hour Annual Newsletter Two thousand copies were printed and On one of the trail trips we cleared up © Willmore Wilderness Foundation documentaries. handed out to all delegates at the Banff to Surprise Pass and over into BC Kakwa no portion of this newsletter may be re- Final Report RADF 9 Humour along the printed without written permission. World Media Festival. The Rural Alberta Provincial Park. The trails on the BC side We have also received Registered Charitable Organization Continental Divide 20 Development Fund, People & Peaks in that area are in very poor condition. Canadian Radio-Television #89655 0308 RR0001 Notes from the Editor 10 Productions and the Willmore Wilderness We did spend one day clearing the trail Membership 22 Foundation were all sponsors of the 2013 from Broadview Lake, south toward and Telecommunications Descendant of the Fur Trade 11 Martini Madness event. Surprise Pass, to the little creek that runs Commission approval into Cecilia Lake. We had several youth Willmore’s Wild Camera 23 Ryan Koehler, Vice President of that we mentored this year; however, for broadcast. Mountain Horsemanship 12 Wild TV came to the Martini Madness it was very nice to see Tom Wanyandie Alberta Rockies Adventures 24 evening after he received a Martini instructing his two young grandsons. They Madness flyer. He saw the Women of Grizzly Survey Report 13 were both good workers and good with ... continued on page 4 Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 4 Page 5 Annual Edition - 2014

President’s Report .. continued from page 3 The 2013 Trail Clearing Report a chainsaw. We thank Alberta Municipal learn more about training a horse from Burnt Timber Foundation for supporting by Susan Feddema-Leonard Affairs and the Municipal District of a horse. Make sure you contact Jenn the publication of People & Peaks of the Greenview for their generous support Houlihan to register for the clinic. Panther River & Eastern Slopes. We look The Willmore Wilderness trail man Dave Wildman was also on • Sheep Creek Airstrip to George on the 2013 Trail Clearing Initiative. The forward to the launch of the book People Foundation was formed in 2002, with the trail clearing expeditions, and he Hargreaves’ Grave through The Willmore Wilderness Foundation 2014 trail clearing will continue with the & Peaks of Willmore Wilderness Park: The a goal of restoring the historic pack mentored Mark Pirker from Grande 2007 burn has contracted Arthur Veitch to do wildlife support of Alberta Municipal Affairs. Legacy Continues in early March. The trails. The Foundation’s efforts have Prairie in the traditional ways of • Fetherstonhaugh to the base trap photography and videography. The second publishing of People & Peak of opened up, maintained and restored the trail. Payton Hallock was also an of Morkill Mountain through We had some momentum building Willmore Wilderness Foundation also Willmore Wilderness Park: 1800 to mid- with respect to the marketing of the sponsored Arthur in the 2013 BBC many kilometres of trails that have apprentice trail hand on one trip. bad muskegs 1900s will follow shortly thereafter. traditionally been used by hunters, • Ptarmigan Lake through the traditional businesses that work in and Wildlife Camera-trap photo competition. These two books and the Women of A lot of hard and dirty work around Willmore Wilderness Park with Congratulations go to Arthur Veitch, who trappers, outfitters, anglers and 2007 burn Willmore Wilderness have all been made was needed for restoration and the support of Travel Alberta. This group won runner-up with two photos under horsemen for the past 200 years. • Up Bazil Creek towards Morkill possible with the support of the Rural development to keep the trails open is known as Alberta Rockies Adventures. the Animal Portraits Category. • To the Smoky River past Fox Alberta Development Fund. This type of The Willmore Wilderness and improve infrastructure of Willmore The www.AlbertaRockies Adventures.com support is critical to keep the historical Lake, and on the main trail back In order to ensure we have factual Foundation would like to thank the Wilderness Park. Some areas included: website was launched in October 2013. stories alive and in the public domain. to Grande Cache. information regarding our documentaries MD of Greenview for its contribution We have also developed www.Facebook. Understanding our past determines and books, we have contracted the towards the 2013 trail clearing initiatives. • Improvement of the Smoky Trail It is important to remember that com/AlbertaRockiesAdventure and www. our ability to shape our present—and services of Debbie Fitzsimmons to We would also like to thank Alberta • Re-routing around the deep the Sheep Creek, Smoky River and Twitter.com/ABRockies pages. influence our future. research documents from the North West Municipal Affairs for their support. water at Eaton Creek Jackpine River burns will have to be • The trail up Mount Stearn from The 2013 Canada’s West Marketplace Company and Hudson’s Bay Company; Sincere thanks to Maurice Nadeau, cleared on a yearly basis to keep ahead (CWM) trade show was held in Whistler, records from churches, museums and A.M. Consulting, the Wild Sheep The Willmore Wilderness Foundation Kvass Flats of the falling trees. It is critical that we BC from November 23rd to 26th at the archives. The RADF Project has enabled Foundation: Alberta Chapter, Alberta Bow spent forty days clearing trail in • Surprise Pass Trail keep these trails open and not let the Whistler Conference Centre. The CWM the Willmore Wilderness Foundation Hunter Assocation and Jenn Houlihan the western portion of Willmore • Copper Kettle Camp to Casket burnt timber win the battle. It is tough trade show brings together tourism to do historical research and accurately of the Willmore Wilderness Foundation for Wilderness Park. We hired Elder Tom Creek Camp Trail dirty work, and we are proud of our industry suppliers from BC and Alberta develop the story of Alberta’s eastern supporting the 2013 Grizzly Bear Survey. I Wanyandie and mentored two of his • Muddy Water to Boulder Creek trail crews for their committment and with international and domestic tour slopes—and to tell this unique story to would also like to thank Nathan Webb, Provincial grandsons, Dale Belcourt and Lane Trail through the 2002 burn determination to continue with this operators in a proven business exchange an international audience. The history of Carnivore Specialist for his guidance and Wanyandie Bequette. Tom’s daughter • George Hargreaves’ Grave to laborious task. of pre-scheduled appointments, open Alberta’s fur trade and how the Canadian cooperation over the past six years. Emily Wanyandie Bequette was a great Casket Creek Camp Trail sessions and networking functions west was developed has nearly been support on all of the trips. Old-time • George Hargreaves’ Grave to over a three-day and four-night period. forgotten. We have been able to keep the The Willmore Wilderness Foundation Copper Kettle Camp Established in 1989, the Canada’s West story alive with the publishing of four Annual General Meeting is on June 1, Marketplace trade show is a partnership books, and four one-hour documentaries. 2014 at 2 pm. There will be meeting and a between Travel Alberta and Destination Debbie Fitzsimmons will continue with barbeque at Smoky River Ranch, weather British Columbia. the research work in 2014. providing. Alternatively, if it is raining, we New Book Release will meet at the Willmore Wilderness People & Peaks Travel Alberta provided Susan Last but not least, we have contracted Foundation office. Call Jenn at 780-827- of Willmore Wilderness Park: Feddema-Leonard a scholarship to attend Lisa Brown as the Foundation’s Financial 2696 or me (Bazil) at 780-827-6404 if you The Legacy Continues the 2013 Canada’s West Marketplace trade Consultant. Lisa is the Executive Assistant/ have any questions. Make sure you mark show. The Willmore Wilderness Foundation FOIP Coordinator/Director of Emergency you calendars now. available at the Willmore sponsored Laura Vinson to also attend Management for the Town of Grande Wilderness Foundation, the event. The scholarship is a three-year Cache. We are plesed to have her on I wish everyone a good year and commitment that Travel Alberta has made board and look forward to getting her hope you have a chance to come out to with the Willmore Wilderness Foundation/ into Willmore Wilderness Park this one of our many People & Peaks Film Call 1-780-827-2696 or Alberta Rockies Adventures group. summer to experience the magic of the Fest & Fundraisers that will be hosted Canadian Rocky Mountains. in various communities throughout 2014. 1-866-WILMORE or Larry Nelles gave us another We also hope you spend some time 1-866-945-6673 successful colt training and horsemanship I wish to thank the Alberta enjoying Willmore Wilderness Park. clinic in June 2013. Mountain Multimedia Development Fund for Horsemanship Program initiative will supporting the Women of Willmore LIKE our www.Facebook.com/ Debit, Visa, Mastercard, continue in 2014 with support from Wilderness film documentary, and the MD PeopleandPeaks and www.Facebook.com/ Alberta Municipal Affairs to sustain the of Greenview for supporting the Women WillmoreWilderness in order to keep Interac, cheque, cash. Master Horsemanship Program. Larry of Willmore Wilderness book publication. I abreast of our community events, trail Nelles will mentor those who wish to would also like to thank the Panther River clearing initiatives and various programs. WillmoreWilderness.com Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 6 Page 7 Annual Edition - 2014

by Susan Feddema-Leonard about twenty miles away by myself with two dogs and trapped there the The Moccasin Telegraph whole fall. So that’s where I learned to trap. I wasn’t really prepared for it, but I learned a lot living by myself, The Yellowstone Wolves not eating too much. I just about died a whole bunch of times crossing On March 18, 2006, I had a chance her unrelenting support, none of the them rivers and everything else, but to interview George Kelley for the People & Peaks publications would I learned a lot about trapping. I spent latest book called People & Peaks of have been possible. I hope that two falls out there trapping: the fall I Willmore Wilderness Park: The Legacy everyone who reads this thanks her was fourteen and the fall I was fifteen. Continues. The interview took place at for her dedication to get the story of his home one month before George the mountain men and women “out When we first started trapping was diagnosed with cancer. He passed there.” on the Berland, we walked all the way away less than a year later. from here. It was a three-day walk, Sue One of the things that the with a pack on your back. It was a I was pleasantly surprised that Willmore Wilderness Foundation lot longer coming out in the winter George was so forthcoming during his supports is trapping. Can you tell me because there were no roads. We had interview. Normally he held his cards about how you got started trapping to walk with snowshoes, or in the fall, close to his chest and didn’t reveal and how you live-trapped those by foot. too much. As the events unfolded, I wolves? figured that George knew on some Of course wolves weren’t much level that he was leaving us and George I started trapping with money then, but they were always pack. That would have been the ideal when you snare them—they choke wanted to share his story. my mother because my father was something that was hard to catch. situation. And they wanted ten or down and can’t fight as much. If you out on the trapline. My mother taught You know, I got a few pointers from fifteen packs with collars on—either just tie them up, they really go nuts; Pictured above: George confided that he trusted me to trap, way more than my father; people on how to trap them. It was one or two collars per pack. So we they fight hard. I had eleven broken Susan Feddema-Leonard me with his story and wanted and of course, my uncles: my mother’s trial and error on a lot of that stuff. I Photo by Share Munoz of Vivia Digital Films did that from the first of trapping snares in those two months we spent me to look after it. As he moved brothers. We started trapping as soon more-or-less learned to trap wolves season, the fifteenth of October until trapping. I also had about two of them towards the inevitable, he told me as I could walk. We could trap on our by myself. They used to be hard to after Christmas. After Christmas was that pulled their head clean out of the Pictured on right page: that he didn’t get out of bed much own place. We were always trapping trap, but now they’re easier—just as when they were going to come in with snares. The locks didn’t close. They any more. He, however, made the weasels and squirrels or something. George Kelley in 1996 easy as anything else. All you need the choppers and dart them. didn’t take enough wolves down there. effort to get up and review the Nick When I really started trapping, I was with a Big Horn is the right equipment. That’s the They should have took more. Nickerson chapter in People & Peaks fourteen, and I quit school. The old most important thing—the right Sue What year was that? Do during the last hours of Willmore Wilderness Park: 1800s to man said if you’re going to quit school, equipment—because a wolf is smart. you remember? Sue How many wolves did you of daylight mid-1900s. George was very proud you’re not going to stay around here; If you educate him once, he usually collar? George Probably ’94 or of his relationship with his friend and you’re going out on the trapline. So won’t make that mistake twice. When something like that. I’m not sure, but George I think they paid me Photo courtesy of teacher—Nick. The Nick Nickerson that summer they packed a bunch of they moved those wolves down to Nanette Hamilton Moseley I have everything here anyways. Yeah, for nine or ten collared wolves. Then pictures in Chapter Six are courtesy grub into the Berland country with Yellowstone, they got Wade Berry and we made good money doing that. when they came in here to move of George and Kipp Kelley. One of the dog, horses and on our backs. me to put collars on them. Wade was We snared them all because they them out or to come and helicopter- the last things George said to me on The year before I turned fifteen, I the one that got me on it through the didn’t want them trapped in case they dart them, I snared five more live that last meeting was, “Sue, I knew you spent from the fifteenth of October Forestry School. He was supposed injured their foot. They didn’t want to ones. They gave us a different price would do it.” I felt a sense of pride in to Christmas day; and I come out to contact a bunch of other trappers hurt no wolves because they were a on them. It was five hundred dollars his belief in me. Christmas day. I went to trap with to do this, but he wanted to hog all bunch of wolf lovers. What we’d do apiece for the live. my brother, but he tried to make a the money; and he knew he couldn’t The following is an excerpt from is put the snares out and put a stop slave out of me. He wanted me to do it by himself. So he got me to give George’s chapter in the People & Peaks on them so they’d only close so tight. Sue There’s a story that I hear get up in the morning to make fire, him a hand with it. They gave us two of Willmore Wilderness Park: The Legacy They would just be able to slip the from different people—but I’d rather get water, and feed the dogs—when thousand dollars for every wolf we Continues. I am very proud of this snare off their head; it would only go hear from you about this wolf in your I went out there to trap. We got into live-trapped and turned loose with a publication, which I have dedicated to so far and lock. The problem with that truck. an argument pretty quick, so I moved collar on its neck. What they wanted Estella Cheverie, our editor. Without is when you tied those wolves up— ... continued on page 7 were two collared wolves in every ... continued on page 8 Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 8 Page 9 Annual Edition - 2014

The Yellowstone Wolves Final Report on the Success of the Rural Alberta Development Program by Susan Feddema-Leonard by Susan Feddema-Leonard

... continued from page 7 December 31, 2013 marked the Focusing on transitioning traditional these partners are now working towards end of the Rural Alberta Development businesses into the global economy has marketing the region, creating a regional George Well, I was out there deer. It was bait for my sets. The truck handling a wolf is no problem—once Funding (RADF) grant. In the fall of 2011 helped build the region’s unique story, brand, developing new tourism products checking my snares, and there was driver pulls up. I guess he’s in no rush he’s tied up. the RADF Board of Directors approved history, traditions and natural resources and experiences as well as training youth a wolf in the snare; but I didn’t have to go somewhere, as he starts talking. $1,100,858 in funding in part towards creating a marketable regional brand— in the mountain way of life. Alberta a collar to put on it to turn it loose. He asked me if I was out hunting. I Sue So you’re still trapping? creating an experiential traditional and Alberta Rockies Adventures. Through Rockies Adventures, led by Chairperson They had the collars. I didn’t want to told him no, that I was trapping. He cultural tourism experience in Alberta’s multimedia productions including HDTV Laura Vinson, is guiding and making George I still trap now. I didn’t Willmore Wilderness Park. Through the documentaries, training videos and social recommendations for the development of leave the wolf there because he’d get didn’t hear what I said, and he said, kill a lot of wolves this year because I loose by the time I got back. So I got a “It looks like you had lots of luck Willmore Wilderness Preservation and media development, the story of Willmore the traditional tourism products. wanted to save them for the hunters. Historical Foundation, the Engaging Traditions Wilderness Park has acted as a marketing pole with a snare on the end of it with hunting.” Instead of trying to explain Where I trap there’s not a lot of for Economic Growth initiative was given the strategy for the district’s tourism industry. The future looks bright for the a piece of haywire and got his front everything I said yeah, yeah, yeah. I wolves anymore. opportunity to enhance the marketability The project also centred on training youth Willmore Wilderness Foundation, as foot and pulled him out. Once I got wanted to get the hell out of the road. and profile of the Park, bringing in tourists in the historic traditions of the mountain Alberta Municipal Affairs has committed him stretched out, I’d snare another He looks in the truck and says, “Gee Sue Have you seen changes in and creating economic opportunities for the way of life, keeping the unique culture alive long-term funding, facilitating the leg and tie his two legs together to that’s a nice big dog you got there.” the trapping over the years? traditional businesses—guiding, outfitting while creating economic opportunities Foundation to act as the steward for keep them tight, so he couldn’t bite and backcountry lodges that operate in at the same time. By educating and Improvement District #25—Willmore Wilderness Park. The MD of Greenview has me. Then I just threw a pole across I said, “Yeah, he’s nice.” He asked George Things go up and and adjacent to the 4,600-square kilometre mentoring youth in traditional businesses, wilderness area. and in educating them in mountain also shown support for the Foundation’s his neck, once he’s tied down. I had me what breed he was. I said, “I don’t down. It’s hard to really trap now horsemanship skills, the Engaging Traditions ongoing programs, particularly in youth know, he looks part wolf.” He kept because the logging companies have Prior to the RADF initiative, some of a pair of gloves that came up high for Economic Growth project has resulted in mentoring. The organization is in good talking for a while, and he finally let the country all tore up. You used to the traditional tourism sector was fighting called gauntlets. I just cut it off and more competent trailmen and women in shape and is looking forward to moving me go. That old wolf, I brought him to survive the changes of a very competitive put some holes in there. I pulled it be able to ride a skidoo for a hundred Willmore Wilderness Park. ahead with new initiatives and partnerships. here, put a collar on him the next day miles all through the country, setting industry. RADF support was critical in over his face, and I tied it around his Engaging Traditions for Economic and turned him loose. traps. Now you go down a cutline building an atmosphere that fostered head—so he couldn’t bite me. I tied regional tourism, catering to an international Some of the funding from the Rural Growth has been an exciting project. The and hit a road, and it’s all tore up. You Alberta Development Fund was used for three legs together and threw him Sue He probably didn’t know market. Foundation’s staff has put in long hours, can’t go through there; you have to film production. The Foundation has been and they have been very dedicated, going in my truck. I go about checking my what hit him. snares, and pretty soon this wolf kind turn around and go back and load the Canada’s untold story of how the west successful in getting a Confirmation of above and beyond the call of duty. The skidoo up and unload it. The trapping was opened was virtually forgotten. RADF Broadcast for Willmore People & Peaks Willmore Wilderness Foundation is proud of wiggles up on the damn seat. He’s George They’re not bad to has gone to hell, of course. has enabled the Willmore Wilderness Productions verifying that Wild Television of its achievements and feels that Engaging sitting there for a while, humped up. handle. Like, I’m used to handling wild Foundation to develop the unique history Network will incorporate five one-hour Traditions for Economic Growth has exceeded They’re kind of submissive once you horses. Like a big stud horse, a twelve- The End of the mountain culture, traditions and documentaries into their 2014 line-up. all of the goals and expectations initially get them tied. They don’t growl. They hundred-pound horse, he can kill you history of the Canadian Fur Trade. We have The first documentary will be aired on outlined in the project. These achievements act like a cowardly dog. I got driving a lot quicker than a wolf. A wolf, all begun sharing the exciting story of the March 8, 2014. The Willmore Wilderness of an outstanding job have been realized along, and he’s sitting there in the seat. he can do is bite you. Once you get a Excerpt from the newly released biggest untapped resource in Alberta— Foundation has also been successful in through a dedicated staff and a determined, Pretty soon he’s looking around. I go hold of him around the neck and once Willmore Wilderness Park, also known as obtaining a Canadian Radio-Television focused Board of Directors. Improvement District #25. The authentic and Telecommunications Commission down this one new pulp road, and you get a hold of a foot, he can’t do People & Peaks of Willmore Wilderness Park: story of the region makes the area unique. confirmation letter verifying that the The Willmore Wilderness Foundation here comes a load of pulp. I pull over nothing. A big strong horse will stomp The Legacy Continues People & Peaks documentaries qualify as thanks the Rural Alberta Development to the side. I had a bunch of bait in the on you; he’ll kick you. If you fall down, George Kelley’s Chapter The distinctive tale fosters the Canadian Programs. Fund for supporting this initiative and back: a moose head and some hides, a he’ll bite you just as hard as a wolf. So imagination of a place where trappers, breathing life into the northern Rocky natives, outfitters, hunters, trailmen, As a steward of Willmore Wilderness Mountain area of Alberta. Without Kamie and mountain men freely roamed the Park, the Willmore Wilderness Currie’s guidance and support throughout You can read George Kelley’s full story in Rocky Mountains. The history is now Preservation and Historical Foundation this Project, we would not have been as being told through books, films, on-line has formed strong partnerships with local successful as we have been. Kamie Currie’s of Willmore Wilderness Park: The Legacy Continues videos, television, social media, marketing municipalities, communities, organizations role as Project Officer was critical and People & Peaks campaigns and tourism initiatives. and tourism operators in and around greatly appreciated. We would also wish or read other People & Peaks books like the the Park. These include Alberta Municipal to thank MLA Robin Campbell, who Engaging Traditions for Economic Affairs, Municipal District of Greenview, provided unwavering and ongoing support of the Panther River & Eastern Slopes Growth utilized six pillars to achieve its Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, throughout this endeavour. People & Peaks goal. Developing a regional identity for Town of Grande Cache, Alberta Northern Call 1-780-827-2696 or 1-866-WILMORE or 1-866-945-6673 Willmore Wilderness Park has helped Rockies Tourism Association, the traditional shine a light on Alberta’s best kept secret. operators, and more. With a shared vision, WillmoreWilderness.com Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 10 Page 11 Annual Edition - 2014

Notes from the Editor’s Desk A Descendant from the Fur Trade Joins the Willmore Foundation by Estella Cheverie by Edna Doire Kelly Joachim at his home at Wanyandie a very good friend of Stephen. Sherril and I remember my first horse. He love of horses. I always loved animals, in Flats. It was awesome learning his story my mother spoke about the Round dance particular horses and cats. was a little old Welsh-Cobb pony and past history. On our way out, we saw and feast, which is now in progress and who had looked after kids all his life. two dancing robins; and that was a cool expected to happen in May 2014. On our I was about ten years old at the time. This reminiscing came about because of a project I’ve been working sight to see. We also did two interviews way out after the interview, we saw an Looking after me and my siblings, who here in the office. One was with Jane eagle. It was all just an amazing event! on recently. In between jobs in the had never really ridden a horse before, McDonald. I did some translating for Jane office, I’ve been cataloging and updating was easy for old Teddy. He knew all the there. It was great to hear her story! We Sad to say my Aunt Marie McDonald tricks when he got tired of us—the old our Willmore Foundation’s library. We interviewed Joe Karakuntie; and again, it passed away November 17, 2013. I miss brush-them-off, then wait-for-them-to- have a few books about horses; not was very awesome going back in time and her, and she will never be forgotten. pick-themselves-up trick. just about famous ones, but people’s hearing his story. stories of their connection with their My grandmother Lucy (Moberly) While growing up we lived for particular animals; however, we don’t Previously we did an interview with Wanyandie was Cree. Her Moberly relatives were evicted from Jasper in a while on the ranches of both my have enough of those stories. my Grandma Lucy Wanyandie, my mother Mabel Wanyandie and my Aunt Marie 1909/1910. My grandmother, however, grandparents, before our parents got wasn’t acknowledged as a Moberly. My a farm. We always had a few horses, This gave me a great idea that McDonald who is also Stephen McDonald‘s grandmother. I was wowed by that grandmother Lucy Wanyandie passed some cattle, pigs and chickens. On my perhaps our readers would share some of their stories about their special interview at my grandma’s home in Susa away January 1, 2014. I was there with her dad’s farm, we had Teddy, of course; and with all my kids. We went to the hospital animals, be they horses or maybe dogs Creek. My aunt Philomene Moberly, sister for our working horses, we had a pair of Mabel and Marie came in and added to at noon. The kids gave her a kiss and told on the trail; or of such incidences they Edna Doire December 2013 of young Clydesdales. They were Tom the interview. My 94-year old grandma was her that they loved her. I put holy water and Jesse, a gelding and a mare. We also may have had. I, for one, would certainly Photo by Susan Feddema-Leonard on her, as she used holy water often. I enjoy reading those stories. sick as she had a tumor in her stomach; so got the mother of Tom, old Queenie. it was very important this interview was miss her, and she will never be forgotten. Estella Cheverie Aug 2013 Tansi, my name is Edna Doire. Tom and Queenie were black with done! Marie pointed out that she always Photo by Susan Feddema-Leonard So, here is an invitation for you I’m from Susa Creek Co-op. I speak Cree My grandfather was Daniel the usual white trimmings while Jesse wanted a picture taken at the Moberly to tell us about your adventures, and English, and I’m hoping to learn the Wanyandie. He spoke Cree but was of was sort of a roan and had almost wall homestead in Jasper with her mother Lucy. encounters or experiences with horses Iroquois language. I’m a mother of four Iroquois descent. I found out that the The beginning of another year! eyes. They were pretty big creatures or other animals. We would love to beautiful Métis children. Wanyandies were among the first families Well, last year was productive for us, as to us little kids, but that didn’t stop us We made plans, and two days later share it with our entire readership in we were on our way to Jasper; but plans in the Rockies along with the Karakunties, we put together three new books. The from getting on their backs once in a In 2012 I took a three month the next Newsletter. You don’t have to don’t always work out. My grandma had Findlays, Loyers, Belcourts, Delormes, life-skills program. I did two work last one was just finished in time to go while—when no one was looking. After be a “writer” to tell your story, and we been in pain, so she couldn’t make it, sad Joachims, and others. experiences, one at Native Counselling to press this year. It should be printed all, we did do all the chores—which would show you the transcript before to say. My mother Mabel, my Auntie Marie Services, which was a great experience, I’m learning a lot at the Willmore and ready by late spring. I don’t think included looking after them. I only got we printed it. We would certainly (my godmother), Stephen, and I made the and one at the Willmore Wilderness Wilderness Foundation. I’m finding new anyone will be disappointed. It’s full of kicked once, and that was by Tom, but I journey; and I got to bring my baby girl welcome your input. There has to be a Foundation. I was amazed to find out that things about the history of the people the further adventures of our favourite never told anyone. Mercedes (2 ½ years old). What a great, lot of stories out there! Willmore Wilderness Foundation did and my relations. I’m very lucky to work people, their mountains, their horses, amazing, trip it was! My mother Mabel professional picture framing with all the with such an awesome, encouraging and their everyday life. It will keep you We always rode bareback and never We will also be reprinting our and Aunt Marie were interviewed at the material and tools used to actually frame team. Without my supportive colleagues, had a saddle. I used to watch every cabin on the homestead of Ewan Moberly wanting to read more. first book People & Peaks of Willmore a picture. I was impressed! I would not have gotten the necessary new Eaton’s catalogue that came out to (my great-great-grandfather); and it was all Wilderness Park: 1800s to mid-1900s. It interviews from my grandmother and Whereas I haven’t had the make sure “my” saddle was still there. captured on video. My mother indicated should be available shortly after the After completing my life-skills, I other relatives. Now we have this experiences of these adventurous I dreamed that one day I would have that she wished the people of Jasper appearance of our People & Peaks of told the life-skills coach that I was going information for future generations. We can beings, I feel privileged to have become that saddle; even though it was $75, would ask for forgiveness and hold a feast Willmore Wilderness Park: the Legacy to pursue my education. Willmore make educational documentaries, allowing and round dance. a part of it through their candid and which was all the money in the world Continues. Wilderness Foundation took me on, for our Elders to speak with their own voices, unselfish sharing. I have to admit that at that time. It was probably equivalent which I feel very fortunate. So I had a During the interview I noticed some sharing this history of the Alberta Rockies. one of my favourite parts is about the to whatever a saddle would cost today. I look forward to hearing from you! math tutor, and then I took classes to people approaching us at the cabin. I didn’t I never did get it. We left the farm when prepare for my GED test that is coming I’m looking forward to continue horses and the relationship between know them, but everyone else seemed up in February 2014. learning new things through further the people and their animal partners. I was a mid-teenager, and I never rode to. It was my first time being at the education. I also am excited about There has to be a bond of trust and in a saddle until some years later when Moberly Homestead. They were Sherrill Back in May 2013, I went with Sue working here at the Willmore Wilderness interdependency between them a boyfriend took me out riding. God, Meropoulis and Greg Deagle, Jasper Park Feddema-Leonard and Stephen McDonald, Foundation. Thank You. in facing the elements of nature’s was I ever stiff the next day! Been off who is a student, to do an interview with staff. We also met Mike (Wasuita) who environment. the farm too long— but I never lost my owns the Pine Bungalows in Jasper and is Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 12 Page 13 Annual Edition - 2014 Mountain Horsemanship 2013 Grizzly Bear Survey Report 2013 by Susan Feddema-Leonard by Jenn Houlihan & Bazil Leonard The Willmore Wilderness The Willmore Wilderness Foundation Foundation started the Grizzly Bear collected 328 sightings from April 1, 2013 Photo courtesy of Jaeda Feddema Survey in 2008 to help study the range - December 31, 2013, which was a little

and distribution of the grizzly population higher than 2012’s 288 sightings. Jenn has Pictured right: in Alberta. We have run the survey for collected a large image database which Some Mountain Horsemanship participants six years now. In 2013 we continued helps differentiate the reported grizzly bear from left to right. the survey with the support of Maurice sightings. There have been a lot of reports Nadeau of A.M. Consulting; Wild Sheep and pictures of twin and triplet cubs. Jenn Houlihan, Kyle Leonard, Tom Wanyandie, Foundation: Alberta Chapter; Alberta Clinton Unruh, Brianagh Meaney-Feller, Bowhunters Association, and the After six years of gathering traditional Larry Nelles, Lori McFayden, Riley Thiessen, Willmore Wilderness Foundation. We research and sightings, the Willmore Wilderness Foundation has decided Lorne Thiessen, Bazil Leonard, were able to advertise full-page and full-colour ads for six months in the to cease the Grizzly Bear Survey for Susan Feddema-Leonard, Paul Dumont following magazines: the upcoming year. The Foundation has and Fabienne Mooser-Kolly. been able to determine that the grizzly Alberta Bowhunter’s Association (ABA) population in Alberta is healthy and Alberta Trapper’s Association (ATA growing at a steady rate. In the front are Payton Hallock Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA and Jaely Willow Moberly Alberta Outdoorsmen Magazine. In June of 2010, the grizzly bear was designated a Threatened Species under Six years ago some scientists were Alberta’s Wildlife Act. We managed to The traditions of a mountain This year Larry will teach backcountry industry. The Willmore reporting as few as thirty bears north of prove that there is a substantial grizzly horseback culture are in jeopardy of horsemanship preparation as well as Wilderness Foundation invests a lot of Highway 16. Our staff couldn’t believe population in Alberta, and we feel a Jenn Houlihan being lost. Since it’s formation in 2002, starting colts from horse to horse, right energy in educating others to keep the this incredibly low count. In the Grande limited hunt could be held in some areas Photo by Susan Feddema-Leonard the Willmore Wilderness Foundation up to the finished horse. This clinic will old trail skills alive for future generations. Cache area, grizzlies were live-trapped in of the province. In fact, the bears seem the school yard at Susa Creek. The bears to be dispersing into more southern and has been focused on educating youth, educate people how to start young colts Remember, in riding horses we were becoming more brazen and were eastern regions. or anyone else who wants to learn the off of horseback. Old techniques that borrow freedom. Thanks to traditional mountain skills. Bazil Leonard were used in ancient Greece in 350 BC coming into many of the local outfitters’ We would like to thank our sponsors first started promoting the Larry Nelles are being resurrected and used today. camps. The Foundation decided to “take Maurice Nadeau & A.M. Consulting We encourage anyone to call Jenn throughout the years for their ongoing Clinics in Grande Cache in 1996, after he Xenophon’s “On Horsemanship” is one the bull by the horns” and conduct an Houlihan at 780-827-2696 to register support. We would like to thank all of the recognized that we had to make changes of the oldest surviving Western works annual survey. Alberta Bowhunters Association for this year’s clinic, which will be individuals who have sent in sightings over in the way we were working with horses. detailing the principles involved in training held in late June. Camping is available Jenn Houlihan has spent the entire the last six years. Without your traditional Through the RADF grant, we were able to the horse in a manner that is non-abusive. Wild Sheep Foundation: AB Chapter on-site. We thank Alberta Municipal year worked on the Grizzly Bear sightings, the grizzly bear survey would “up the game,” and since that time Larry Participants will be taught in Larry Nelles Survey. She worked closely with Nathan not have been as successful. Nelles has been teaching participants workshop on how to work horses in a Affairs its support for this year’s Willmore Wilderness Foundation Webb, Provincial Carnivore Specialist to start colts from horse to horse. This mountain environment with no stress. Mountain Horsemanship Clinic. with Alberta Sustainable Resource spring will mark nineteen years since This will help develop the mountain for supporting the Development (ASRD). All of Jenn’s data Larry first came to Grande Cache. culture and traditions for our unique was sent to Nathan and placed into the 2013 Grizzly Bear Survey Provincial Database.

Thanks to THANKS Thanks to ConocoPhillips Alberta Multimedia MD of Greenview for supporting the Development Fund (AMDF) for supporting youth training Grande Cache Gala for supporting the documentary Women of Willmore Wilderness Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 14 Page 15 Annual Edition - 2014 Alberta Rockies Adventures Marketing The Spirit Sings Tour - Netherlands by Laura Vinson, Chairman by Laura Vinson, Chairman

The Canada West Marketplace to our tourism product. We also Our second Spirit Sings tour of Bela Martineau had never before film about my career as an aboriginal was a very interesting and rewarding got a valuable insight into how tour the Netherlands with the Spirit Sings played cello professionally with a band, person telling the story of our experience. We weren’t sure when group operators sell to the public. We Production had a rough start. We call but pulled it off like a pro and sang like historical and cultural development. Don Wilson of Travel Alberta were told not to expect much from it the little tour that could! an angel. approached us whether this was an our first year of meeting Buyers. It We also exceeded our goals in event that would work for the Alberta was said that relationships and trust We lost our bass player, Fred Paul Martineau, our drummer our partnership with Travel Alberta Rockies Adventures (ARA) group. This had to be built up and that it would LaRose, to cancer a few months was rock solid and really kept us all in promoting tourism for our area is a trade show that features buyers— not be for another year or two that before the tour and dedicated the together as band leader and volunteer and our Alberta Rockies Adventures tourism agents—who represent we would actually see any business new CD, “Warrior” to his memory. social convenor. group. Brochures were given out at tourism product from the sellers/ generated; however, if we can believe We were lucky to get Pat Braden every show, and we were able to talk from Yellowknife who did a great job It was difficult leaving my ailing to people about the wonderful tourist operators such as us. We were afraid the response we got at meetings, we husband at home, but the show must that we did not have the packages that may well be seeing some results this on bass and Chapman Stick. Karen opportunities there are here. But Donaldson Shepard our violin player go on, as they say. If it had not been the wonderful thing that happened would be of interest to them. We were coming summer. The Buyers are willing for the dedication and talent of these told that those who would want to to contact our operators directly and Maria Dunn on accordion, guitar in addition was we were able to and whistle did a remarkable job performers, I could not have done a leave our banner and brochures with meet with us would not be those that and did not expect us to act as a presentable job myself. we would want to do business with. representative, which is the only way in taking over the harmonies while a Netherlands establishment, the It’s a good thing we went and found it can work for us. It was a relief to playing their own parts beautifully. I can’t say enough about how Mondani Restaurant, which specializes in Canadian food on a permanent out for ourselves how it really works. know they could do business this way, Our band leader (and my great the performers were in helping, as it will work well for the operators supporting and covering for each basis. Many thanks to Yvonne and We were overwhelmed by husband), David Martineau had to have Barry of Mondani Restaurant for that in the ARA group. open-heart surgery the week before other under difficult circumstances. requests from the Buyers to meet We all enjoyed working together wonderful opportunity. Pictured above: we left and is recovering well. We with them. We only requested three Some of our best contacts for and everyone was very positive and Laura Vinson meetings with Travel Alberta Reps horse-back trips will likely be from were fortunate that our friend, Rob It was bitter-sweet when we in the Netherlands VanDuran was available in Holland, enthusiastic. had to say goodbye to our “drivers,” on the Europen Tour. from abroad, and we had to turn eastern Canada and BC, but we may down many requests for meetings see some interest from Germany as and he did a wonderful job playing The shows went really well with (managers and dear friends) Eric Photo courtesy of with Buyers. This is apparently very well. These areas as well as Asia were pedal steel, lead guitar and dobro. standing ovations after every one. Vermeulen and Diago VanGent and Susan Feddema-Leonard head back to Canada, but I was unusual, and we can only attribute it interested in accommodations and Then our piper, Harold Burden There were wonderful comments to the unique product we are offering wilderness locations. It was surprising from the audience members after the anxious to get home to my recovering who really started this thing, had a husband. As usual we left Holland with and the great website that twigged the to get a very excited response from heart attack two days before departure. round dance at the meet-and-greet. Buyers’ interest. Koreans who would like to hunt Black It was humbling to see how grateful fond memories and hopes of going Once again Eric Vermeulen, our back again. Bear. We will now follow up with the manager came through and found us the crowd was to learn about native At a workshop we were told that Buyers and see if they need more culture. People loved the pageantry, authentic and experiential tourism another piper who did an excellent job information and make sure they don’t learning the pipe parts in just two days. the stories, the history, the cultural is now what people want, and that is forget about us! lessons, and the music. They enjoyed Thanks to what our operators offer. The ARA We also had to replace one of learning the round dance and dancing Alberta Municipal Affairs operators have all been operating in We hope that we will be hearing our dancers because of rescheduled with all performers. It felt like ending for their the area for many years, know the from our operators in the near future, surgery. Elija Wells did a very credible the shows as one big happy family. country, history, culture, and stories that they have been contacted and will job as a novice with great coaching The audience was very supportive in ongoing support and can give exciting hands-on be increasing their summer’s business from Shawnrae Gabriel who was purchasing product such as CDs and in enabling the Foundation experiences such as pack trips. This from this marketing opportunity. a great new addition to the show crafts. seems to be the flavour of the day in to be stewards of For information got to: with his dancing and singing. Jessica tourism, so we were well received at McMann did a marvelous job of Susan Feddema-Leonard (my AlbertaRockiesAdventures.com. Willmore Wilderness Park the Marketplace. covering all the female dancer parts roomee and major support) was successful in getting very good footage aka We met with many Buyers and when our other dancer had to drop out for school reasons. for the upcoming documentary, Improvement District #25 were encouraged by their responses “Daughter of the Fur Trade”. This is a Pictured left: Page 16 Page 17 Ishbel (Hargreaves) Cochrane courtesy of Ishbel Cochrane Willmore Wilderness Foundation Learn about the most remote regions of Humour along the Continental Divide in 1942 Willmore Wilderness Park by Ishbel (Hargreaves) Cochrane and the Continental Divide trails in the Publication The Willmore Wilderness Foundation published Women of Willmore Wilderness in the spring of 2013. The Women of Willmore Wilderness. publication follows the lead of historic women who challenged the traditions of the day, blazing trails into a man’s world. The book shares the stories of riding the Rockies through time. It shares the tales of women past Ishbel’s 1942 to 1946 journal and present as they reveal how their experiences in mountain culture deeply inspired them. Meet free-thinking and photos clearly detail the individuals who blazed trails into a man’s rugged world. Share the humour and deep emotion of these souls who trail networks, game, hunts, find the essence of their lives’ works on trails rarely travelled. weather systems, and the stories of hunters from days gone by— The following is an excerpt from Ishbel (Hargreaves) Cochrane’s 1942 Chapter. I really laughed until I had including Jack O’Connor, stitches in my side when I first read Ishbel’s account of travelling in some of the most rugged parts of the Canadian Rockies. We have reprinted this short excerpt for your enjoyment. Call the Willmore Wilderness Foundation office the legendary writer if you haven’t already ordered your copy of Women of Willmore Wilderness. Susan Feddema-Leonard for Outdoor Life magazine.

Thursday, October 1, 1942 looked at one and spitefully thought to Mountain. This wasn’t a very long pull, Friday, October 2, 1942 wind started to blow the tent at around worse, Bill Morton found the stovepipe in Move over Big Shale to a camp (Curly) myself, “I suppose we’ll have to go over but it was steep, muddy, rocky and ‘rooty’. Jackpine Island Camp 11:30 p.m. The canvas cook tent banged his lap. Albert Tyler was lucky as he had Phillips Creek now called Pauline Creek the top of that.” Yeah, I was right. I rode most of the way up, as I was tired, We were off to the Jackpine Islands against the stove and knocked a pot a chair at the head of his bed, so the tent having just walked all over Big Shale. today. We went down the rest of Little over. Anne and I surveyed the wreck didn’t fall on him. After much ado they It might not have rained much We went down a hill, crossed a little Shale Mountain and started traveling to see if it was worthwhile getting up. got things straightened out. yesterday, but it sure rained last night. creek and then started up. You could We came part way down Little through the muskegs at the base of Just then another gust came, and the I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. A half hour ride up it, but we chose to walk at first. Shale and then camped (Pauline Creek). it. I managed to get through the soft, tent leaned on the stove. We crawled I had a honey of a toothache to top later, I felt a big drop of rain on my head. Anne was behind—all by herself. When I walked into camp, stumbled and then muskeggy ground all right by riding out of our warm beds and realized off the night’s fun. Anne and Murray I got up and moved my bed as far away she caught up, we had a tow system fell onto my hands and knees. Lots of behind and watching the other horses. when we touched the roof of the tent hoisted up the cook tent as I sat on the from the side of the tent as I could, then worked out. Murray went ahead on foot things went wrong, and it was a bad A couple of the horses had floundered a that it had snowed! Anne went out pannier and held my head in my hands. went back to sleep. At midnight Anne to chase the packhorses, so Anne held on night, as it continued raining while we bit, but nothing very exciting happened. to tighten the tent rope and tried to Did that tooth ever ache?!! arose and moved the lunches away from to Music’s tail, and I hung on to Peggy’s. were pitching our tents. The fire wouldn’t Kate seemed to have had a drop in pull the canvas straight. She struggled the canvas walls and fussed around. Anne was afraid that her horse Kate burn, and it kept right on pouring—and weight, as every time I rode down a steep along, and the men woke up and asked Saturday, October 3, 1942 The part of my shirt, which was under probably wouldn’t be very happy to pull to make matters worse, we arrived in a hill, her saddle just about slipped over what was wrong. Luckily Murray came at the head of the Beaver River my pillow, was wet when I woke up her, so she opted to use Murray’s horse messy campground. her head. to our aid, but not without a struggle. Everybody was gay in the morning. this morning. Sadly there would be no instead. It was raining a little but not very The stake came out of the ground three There was less than an inch of white, but stopover at McDonald’s as we were to go hard. Pretty soon it started to hail, and as Anne and I cleaned nine chickens I walked most of the time, and times before it was finally secured. The it was snowing off and on—and it was over Big Shale Mountain, possibly in a we achieved higher altitudes, the wind that we had shot through the head with I didn’t feel good. I just sat on my stovepipe ended up falling down, but one heck of a day to have to move. We snowstorm. We’ll get to that later. blew—and blew—and then some. We my trusty twenty-two, then the boys horse and ambled along. We crossed Murray fixed it—we hoped. were out of bread, but the men decided were so hot from walking that we didn’t unpacked. We really had a feed of the another branch of the Jackpine River to move anyway. I think the dudes were Today and yesterday Diamond ran mind it very much, except for the sleet wild chickens, and did they ever taste (Meadowland Creek) and then hit the We went back to bed, and just as we getting tired of the rain and bad weather. loose in the pack string. He was running stinging our faces. We got behind the good. It was the first good meal I had of main branch, which we started to follow were about to drop off to sleep, we heard Last night Murray asked me if I’d like on three legs limping and wouldn’t stay outfit once, and Music trotted to catch them since last fall. up towards the headwaters. On one side a swish of snow falling off a tent. A few to ride Music and use her as a tour horse behind. The first six packhorses were the up, losing Anne and me for a while, so of the Jackpine River, there were sloughs; minutes later we heard an Indian war I had to laugh at Albert Tyler, though. over Jackpine Pass. We hadn’t traveled ones that included Diamond’s friend, so we had to hoof it on our own. We went and along on the other side, there were whoop, and Albert yelled, “Roy, what’s Dad, who had come ahead with the more than five minutes from camp when he tried to keep up with them. Murray right over the top of Big Shale Mountain soft, boggy muskegs. We rode in the wrong? Our tent fell down!” Soon we dudes, asked me, “How did you like Shale Music’s hind foot slipped off the bank. rode Music, as she was much better now; and started down the other side when sloughs for a while, then crossed over heard Murray shout, “Get up Chuck, its Mountain, in a snowstorm?” I replied, “I The old pack trail ran along the edge of however, it was still hard for her to lift her something happened to the visibility and rode in the muskegs—anyway; it flatter ‘n hell!” Anne and I were laughing. liked it fine.” Then Albert piped up, “If you the river. Despite slipping, Music tried foot out of mud. of the area. The fog and snow were all looked the same to me. After a while We couldn’t get a good view of their ask me, Roy she’s damned easily pleased.” to save herself; but I guess her sore foot pretty thick, but we found the trail at the we came to some pretty Jackpine River predicament as the boys’ tent was in the McDonald’s Meadows was made up Albert had sore lips from sleeping on wasn’t strong enough. Anyway we went bottom of the mountain, after wandering country and ended up camping in a very way; however, we heard all the details of dozens of muskegs surrounded by the mountain in the sun, and now a in the river, and the jacket I was wearing down among bluffs and snowflakes. nice spot. There was a small beach, and as described by Albert Tyler the next timber. We went along a bunch of the hailstorm added to his list of experiences. got caught over the saddle horn, and the tents were lined up along the river. It morning. He shared how the tent pole muskegs and then along the side of a Albert Tyler was wet and cold, and he I had one heck of a time getting it off, We had experienced Big Shale rained as usual. was out of centre to make room for a mountain. I kept looking for Big Shale sure sounded funny with his comments. but I managed. Music and I wallowed Mountain in a snowstorm—and just bed. The snow got heavy and weighted Mountain as we were going along. Chuck around in the Jackpine River for a while. the way we thought it would be. At the We went to bed around 10:30 p.m., down the tent resulting in the centre pole had said that Big Shale was a long ridge, foot of Shale, we crossed a branch of the ... continued on page 17 prepared for a good sleep; however, the falling on Paul Geer. To make matters ... continued on page 20 and I saw several, but we passed them. I Jackpine River and started up Little Shale Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 18 Page 19 Annual Edition - 2014

Blue Creek Bride by Leanne Minton

Blue Creek Bride is the engaging account of a park warden’s wife as she travels with him on horseback into the backcountry of the Canadian Rockies.

Contact: Sheila Couture at 780-852-4949

Leanne Minton leannecc_pearson@ SOLD OUT hotmail.com People & Peaks of Willmore Wilderness Park: 1800s to mid-1900s We have published a second printing available at the Willmore Wilderness Foundation, Call 1-780-827-2696 or 1-866-WILMORE or 1-866-945-6673 Debit, Visa, Mastercard, Interac cheque, cash. www.WillmoreWilderness.com - www.PeopleandPeaks.com Thanks Rural Alberta Development Fund for support Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 20 Page 21 Annual Edition - 2014 Humour along the Continetal Divide in 1942 - continued from page 17 Women of Willmore Wilderness by Ishbel (Hargreaves) Cochrane shares interesting history Then I crawled out onto the bank while over the head of King into the mud—and When the hunters returned to camp, Music ran out in the middle of the river. the horse’s face wasn’t white anymore. they had nothing to show for a day spent of women who have travelled It was just my luck that nobody saw If Chuck had sailed off the other side of in the rainstorm, climbing up and sliding the dreadful accident. Murray was the his horse, he too would have been in the down muddy hills. We expected to go over along the Continental Divide first to see his horse in the river and me river, but he was lucky. Bess’ shoulder in the morrow. I had heard a crawling out. Murray grabbed Music, and lot about how steep a descent it was. of the Alberta Rockies Anne came back to help me while Dean We rode up to the headwaters of the Swift went on hazing the packhorses Jackpine River and were right under the Monday, October 5, 1942 from 1915 to present. up the trail. Murray remembered which glaciers where the water came from. Now To Mile 9 on the Smoky River packhorse had my dunnage, so he got it I know why the river had been so cold Well, we trailed over it, Bess’ shoulder To get a copy call 1-780-827-2696 for me. I was soaked right to my hide. when I took my Saturday bath. I mean, and it was quite a shoulder. We went up one heck of a long way, and I or 1-866-WILMORE or We unpacked the horse, and Murray It wasn’t long before the pack train made Music pack me up—all the way up. went to sit on the trail until I was ready, started climbing. We climbed up and up Then we went downhill, but I chose to walk while Anne helped me change my through snowy mud, then went along down. In fact, I’d much sooner walk down 1-866-945-6673 drenched clothing. You should have the top of the pass over a bunch of hills that were steep, than ride down. We seen me standing beside the river in a snow-covered rocks. We were above the even went over a waterfall in one place. or email [email protected] snowstorm with bare legs! When I was glaciers and started to descend the pass. Oh, it was a terrible ride, but it didn’t ready, we called out for Murray, but he It sure was steep and muddy. We finally bother me though. After falling in the didn’t come. So Anne and I packed the trailed down a long way and into camp. Jackpine River once and the Smoky River windy when we hit the end of Berg Lake. It was extremely cold and windy, To make matters worse, the water horse up by ourselves. It was the first A grizzly bear had crossed the trail back once, nothing could terrify me anymore. The sleety rain drove into our faces and especially at Windy Point. The wind was wasn’t running at Mt. Robson Ranch, so time I’d ever thrown a diamond over and forth just above camp, so Paul Geer just about blew us off our horses. Was I really blowing around there. We hit the we could not have a bath. caribou horns, which had been packed was hoping for a look at him. They walked When we went down on the gravel ever cold! My raincoat was ruined, the trail on toward Kinney Lake and were on top of my duffle earlier in the day. I around, but the grizzly must have been bars at Bess Creek, we cut out Diamond zipper was wrecked, and one side was trailing towards Mt. Robson Ranch. Dean Wednesday, October 7, 1942 managed to tie the diamond hitch, and scared away by our wild outfit. There leaving him with his sore leg. Diamond just about ripped off. Anne and I stopped caught up with us at the top of the last At Mt. Robson Ranch we started up the trail. Murray hadn’t were lots of big trees in the campground, would head back to the ‘Range’ on his and had tea at Mickey McGuire’s Warden hill at Kinney Lake, but without Hilda. He Albert Tyler, our photographer left heard us call and was wondering how so it was decided that we would stay over own and join up with the herd of Dad’s Cabin. The dudes had just finished their couldn’t find her, so he came on and left this morning for home, as he was worried anyone could take so long to change— a day as we had something strong to horses that were grazing there. lunch at Mickey’s, so Anne and I decided her there with a pack on. Murray took about his wife Edna. The others went even in a snowstorm. anchor the tents down with. We camped at Mile 9. This was our to take a break from the harsh weather Music and went back in search of the hunting in the afternoon. Anne and I finally had our baths as the water started We wheeled ‘er to catch the outfit, Sunday, October 4, 1942 - At the head last camping night and our last evening and stop to finish up the tea. We caught lost packhorse at the foot of the hill. I running again. Murray and Chuck came and it wasn’t long before we met Chuck of the Beaver River in the bush. We made lunches for the last up to the outfit before they got to Berg caught up to Chuck to tell him what had to the Ranch just before supper. They coming back towards us, as darn old Sunday was supposed to be the day time and crawled into the eiderdowns for Lake Chalet. happened, and he turned back too. It found the lost mare this morning, below packhorse Kitty was lost again. Murray of rest, but we made bread, pumpkin the last time. was a quarter to five then. We left our flour and picked up a Adolphus Meadows. went back with Chuck while Anne and I pies, a mince pie, shortbread, iced pack load of canned goods at Berg Lake Anne, Dean and I took the outfit in caught up with the pack string. Finally, chocolate gems and chocolate fudge. Thursday, October 6, 1942 Chalet. The Hargreaves Brothers had built to Mt. Robson Ranch. Anne and I had As luck would have it, the hunters got after what seemed a long time, we saw Not bad, eh? We had run out of candy, so To Mt. Robson Ranch the Chalet in the early 1920s. My dad had contemplated lots of thoughts but didn’t a black bear. Paul Geer’s gun clicked three Chuck and Murray coming up behind the we thought we better make some. Today we planned on going home. helped his brothers build the cabin, and say a word to Dean all the way in. We got times, so old Morton shot—then they outfit. When they caught up, I realized Before we left camp, I imagined that we my dad had used it since that time. home about 6:15 p.m., just as it was getting both shot. In the end old Morton claimed that they were hurrying dear Kitty along This was B.C. (at the head of the would sail through the meadow near dusk. We jerked the packs off the horses the bear. They would leave tomorrow, so by giving her the odd swat with their Beaver River now called Holmes River). Mt. Robson Ranch, merrily yelling and We left the cabin and rode along and went up to the house. There was no the hunting trip ends today. reins. I couldn’t look back as I was pretty Personally, the country all looked the singing, glad to be home. Then we would same to me—Alberta, B.C. and Jasper all eat in the dining room and talk over Berg Lake. When we arrived at the end gay entry into the meadow, with us merrily busy keeping Music away from the T of the lake, Dean Swift asked if Hilda yelling and singing, glad to be home. We he total “tally” of our hunt was two riverbank whenever I felt the trail was too National Park. Each area with poorer the highlights of the trip. was there; however, she wasn’t. Dean had traveled eight and a half hours in cold sheep, two deer, two moose, two goats, close to suit me. Once I did get a glimpse horse trails than the last and steeper Dad went on ahead with the dudes, was frustrated and said that Anne and rainy weather, and the pack horses were three caribou, grizzly, black bear and coyote. of the men behind me and saw Chuck mountains to trail over. and we started on the trail at 9:45 a.m. I should have been the ones to get the tired, and we were wet and mad. Dean said As a whole, we had a swell time, lots of pick up his cowboy hat off the ground Luckily, our horses stayed near camp with the packtrain of horses. The rain horses whenever they strayed off the something at the barn, and I bawled him laughs, and I guess a little experience in trail and then get back onto his horse, King. all night. Chuck and Murray went out and was just pouring down, which was a trail. Dean hadn’t bothered to go into the out. Honestly, it made me so mad to think cooking. And so—the end. brush after Hilda had left the trail. Anne Well I wasn’t the only one with hard counted them in the morning. Pretty soft delightful last day—a glorious end to that he would leave a packhorse when he and I thought he would have chased her All my love, Bo - (Ishbel) luck, as it was Chuck’s turn when King wrangling I called it. They didn’t get their our trip. The farther we went, the colder knew that someone would have to go back out of the brush, but he had not seen her. stumbled on a log lying across the trail coffee in the morning because the fire it got and the more it rained. It was very the next day. Grr-grr.! Dean went back down the trail after her during all the excitement. Chuck glided wouldn’t burn, and the coffee wouldn’t boil. The wood was just too wet. ... continued on page 21 in a huff, and no one went with him. Willmore Wilderness Foundation Page 22 Page 23 Annual Edition - 2014

Willmore Wilderness Join Our Membership Foundation From Willmore’s Wild Camera a registered charitable organization Find out about what’s happening in Willmore. Get the latest news, issues #89655 0308 RR001 and developments! We will keep in touch with our members in an annual Box 93 Grande Cache, Alberta T0E 0Y0 newsletter each January. We keep you up-to-date on important events and I came here for a job but I stayed lust for outdoor adventure? That’s Canada information. Articles or letters to the editor are always welcome. Join today! for adventure. where the Willmore Wilderness Foundation came in. Sue, Bazil and the Phone: 1-780-827-2696 In 1984, I lived out of my Toll Free: 1-866-WILMORE A person may become a member by a favourable vote passed by a good folk at the Foundation wanted Email: [email protected] suitcase for the first eight months to put my camera trapping and media majority of voting members at a regular meeting of the Foundation, and that I worked at the Grande Cache background to use. Web Pages: upon payment of the fee. Written notification will be sent to accepted Mountaineer. Why unpack when WillmoreWilderness.com members with a membership card. (The membership year runs from my stay in Grande Cache was only I was contracted to make a video PeopleandPeaks.com Great Divide Consulting Inc., Publisher January 1 to December 31.) temporary? After all, I was destined to of wild animals, andI was invited to Estella Cheverie, Editor be a big-city news photographer. The join the team. Now, I also provide Yearly Membership is as follows: hard facts of life were lead weights in still photographs for the Willmore Annual General Meeting in June of each year. • $25.00 Individual Membership or $100.00 for five years my swim trunks, however. If I wanted Foundation and its partners. I am An independent newsletter published in to move to a larger centre, I needed going to help with layout of future January of each year. • $35.00 Family Membership or $140.00 for five years to pad my resume with meaningful historical books and even edit films. • Life Time Membership $500.00 ADVERTISING RATES: experience. Fortunately, Grande This involves learning new programs full page ad B & W - $295.00 • Corporate Membership $100.00 Cache gave me ample opportunity and skills. full page colour - $500.00 • Youth Fees are 1/2 price to do that, more than most young 1/2 page ad B & W - $145.00 • Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Debit, Interac and Cheques journalists would ever be exposed to. At least once a week, I set out to 1/4 page ad B & W - $80.00 check my camera traps. I trudge for 1/8 page ad B & W - $45.00  And I began to suck it in. circulation 2500 company kilometres to reach the cameras. All I had a lifestyle like a National the way, I search for signs of quarry. © Willmore Wilderness Foundation Tracks in the snow, scrapes in the Arthur Veitch  Geographic photographer. I was No portion of this newsletter may be reprinted name flown by helicopter into forest fires. exposed duff can signal that an animal Photo courtesy of Susan Feddema-Leonard without written permission. I photographed biologists catching is frequenting the area. I get a huge The entire Newsletter is copyrighted ©. wolves for Yellowstone. The list goes thrill when I approach the sets. And  will be able to click and watch video address on and on. I became an outdoor that turns into outright joy when I We welcome feeback to this publication and clips of area wildlife. Keep checking any suggestions or ideas for future articles. adventure addict. The promise of replay footage of foraging martens, the website for details. Contact our Editor at more thrills in the grand Rocky mischievous fox and even prowling [email protected] city/province/state Mountains kept me in Grande Cache. cougars. Yup, the promise of outdoor I saw that jobs in Edmonton or adventure keeps me here. Thanks to I’m getting better at it, and I would  Calgary would never scratch my itch. the Foundation, I’ll be able to share Facebook.com/Willmore Wilderness postal code/zip dare say the footage is pretty darn this joy with the public. country Two years became five, five good for a beginner. Bigger things are years stretched to ten and then coming as we set our sights on elusive  telephone Arthur Veitch Facebook.com/PeopleandPeaks ten to twenty. Becoming a father critters like wolverine, caribou and fax meant I could no longer work at grizzly bears. And soon the Foundation  email the newspaper, and I signed on as a will be able to share these scenes Facebook.com/AlbertaRockies Adventures website Correctional Officer, a job I really almost as they unfold. Once the bugs Twitter enjoy. But how was I going to fill my are ironed out, Willmore followers Twitter.com/ABRockies Facebook Larry Nelles Youth Colt-Starting & Horsemanship Clinic AGM June 1, 2013 at 3 pm  amount enclosed • June 2014; Fee is $350/horse. Bring your colt or horse at Smoky River Ranch Twitter.com/WillmoreTweets  membership year • for information call 1-866-WILMORE or 1-780-827-2696 if it is good weather or Willmore Foundation office date • www.WillmoreWilderness.com - www.PeopleandPeaks.com if it is raining. Vimeo.com/PeopleandPeaks