Skiing the Sacred Headwaters will take five young skiers to British Columbia’s Todagin Plateau and Klappan Highlands, the origin of Canada’s three vital salmon-bearing rivers- the Skeena, Nass, and Stikine. With support from National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grant, the five team members hope to learn how this expanse of wild country continues to nourish local First Nations communities and how the possibility of a future fragmented by resource development could impact local populations and the character of the landscape. Sitting at the crossroads of many important decisions, the issues facing this unparalleled wildlife habitat and cultural stronghold are significant as the number of wild places diminishes worldwide.
Supported by local indigenous dogsled operators, the team will enjoy the backcountry skiing offerings of the Sacred Headwaters and aim to set precedence for winter recreational tourism in the area. The trip aims to create outsider value on both the untamed nature of the Sacred Headwaters and the intimate local experience with the region. Through film, photos, and writing, many stories will be brought to life as this project progresses over the next several months.
