Indigenous Story

Our founder Alex Ibbotson is a descendent of the Rocky Mountain Métis guides pictured right. Alex is inspired by her ancestors to share her mountain experiences and knowledge to make the backcountry more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. 

Louis (dit Assiniboine) Patenaude and his wife Catherine Moignon/Patenaude/Simpson with son Ben were Métis guides through the Yellowhead pass in 1863. They were photographed with their clients Viscount Milton and Dr. Walter Cheadle in Victoria BC after leading their trek from Fort Pitt to Victoria. 

It wasn’t until 1821 when George Simpson was appointed governor that the Hudson’s Bay Company developed its colonial culture. Prior to the 1820’s Indigenous fur traders were valued as skilled trappers and traders in an Indigenous economy built on relationship, reciprocity and respect. The HBC’s treatment of Indigenous People’s changed dramatically through Simpson’s tenure. He influenced the movement from respectful trade towards patriarchal and colonial.

Many of those “Otipemisiwak” or “freemen” Indigenous traders, were Métis. Within Mountain Métis culture many moved on the land and followed the seasons rather than rooting themselves in permanent settlements year round.

When George Simpson determined that the HBC would only hire agents of the crown and absolutely no Indians, Métis talent had to look elsewhere for work. The innovative and adaptive nature of the Métis to provide needed services in trade or reciprocity, sparked early Canadian, and in this case, BC adventure tourism.