Stories from the Trails: Opening Tourism Pathways for Stoney Nakoda Youth 

Opportunities for young people to see themselves reflected in the future of tourism are growing in Banff and Lake Louise. 
 
In July 2025, the Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre (SNJRC) partnered with Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection to invite Indigenous youth from the Stoney Nakoda First Nations to explore the tourism sector, connect with mentors, and discover how their culture, skills, and perspectives can shape meaningful careers. 
 
Guided by Lead Tourism for Good, the destination’s shared vision for tourism, this collaboration follows the Indigenous Connections Trail to Tomorrow — a commitment to listen, learn, and let collaboration be continuously informed as relationships with Indigenous Peoples are built on respect and reciprocity. 

Building confidence through culture and career exploration 

The experience began with Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles, a week-long, culture-based employment readiness program organized by the Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre. Designed to meet community job seekers where they are, the program blends traditional knowledge, land-based learning, and practical career preparation to build confidence and transferable skills. 

Throughout the week, participants worked on resume building, interview preparation, networking, and identifying how traditional skills translate into employment opportunities. The approach recognizes culture as a strength. 

“The Learning Circles were created to cater to our community job seekers’ needs by utilizing our culture and land-based learning, helping transfer traditional skills and the confidence to work,” explains Lionel Crow Spread His Wings, Director at the Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre. Inspired by the Further Education Society of Alberta, the program supports pathways into employment, post-secondary education, and trades. 

Lionel adds that participants really enjoyed the various employment opportunities and exposure to career choices. “Their favourite activities included culture-based skill development like making ribbon-skirts, scrunchies, creating traditional shields, and participating in the Banff Gondola field trip,” he says. 

Hands-on learning across Pursuit’s Banff operations 

As part of the Learning Circles, Pursuit welcomed youth into several of its Banff operations, creating opportunities for experiential learning and open conversation about careers in tourism and hospitality. 

Participants toured the Banff Gondola, Mount Royal Hotel, and other Pursuit sites, gaining insight into roles spanning culinary arts, hotel operations, transportation, marketing, trades, and guest experience. Team members shared their personal career journeys — offering relatable examples of growth and leadership within the industry. 

“Our goal was to inspire and inform — to show Indigenous youth that tourism isn’t just one type of job,” says Maranda Pittman, Stewardship and Indigenous Engagement Specialist at Pursuit, who is of Mi’kmaq heritage. “There are so many pathways. Whatever their interests are, there’s a place for them in this industry.” 

A meaningful highlight for many participants was connecting with Indigenous employees across the company. One young Cree chef shared her progression from dishwasher to line chef in just a few months, demonstrating how mentorship, dedication, and opportunity can lead to tangible career growth. 

“Supporting Indigenous youth is a priority for us,” Maranda adds. “This partnership sparked ideas for future programs — not only in Banff, but in Jasper and beyond. We’re focused on building something lasting, guided by listening and learning together.” 
 
Pursuit’s relationship with Indigenous communities in Banff has deep roots. That friendship began in the late 1800s, when Jim and Bill Brewster — then just 10 and 12 years old — were shown local Banff trails by Stoney Nakoda Nation member William Twin. That early act of generosity and knowledge-sharing laid a foundation that continues to inform how relationships are approached today. 

Advancing Indigenous Connections through collaboration 

Programs like the Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles help build relationships while giving Indigenous youth the chance to explore tourism in Banff and Lake Louise and see themselves reflected in the industry. 

“We’d love to do this again next summer! My hope is that the youth know there is a place for them in the workforce here in Banff and Lake Louise,” says Maranda. 

 
Maranda Pittman is the Stewardship & Indigenous Engagement Specialist for Pursuit’s Banff Jasper Collection. Her work is grounded in a commitment to environmental responsibility—by supporting projects that strengthen the sustainability of our operations—and reconciliation, through advancing initiatives and partnerships that elevate Indigenous voices in tourism. She holds a master's degree in environmental and resource management from Dalhousie University, where she developed expertise in areas such as renewable energy, nature-based solutions, pollution management, and Indigenous research and engagement. Being back on the east coast allowed her to reconnect with her Mi’kmaw heritage and culture.