Living along the banks of the Athabasca River, just as his family has done since they arrived on its shores in the 1860s from the Red River Settlement, Joe Urie knows the Rocky Mountain ecosystem better than almost anyone. A proud member of the Metis Nation and a died-hard Habs fan (for which we forgive him for), Joe founded and runs the Jasper Tour Company – one of the longest running, most successful eco-tourism businesses in the Rockies. He is a director with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and a member of Indigenous Tourism Canada. He is also an expert storyteller – author of Coyote Takes a Walk, with more books in the works. His passion for his land is obvious, but so too is his belief that Indigenous peoples need to share their story. How? Joe believes eco-tourism is one answer.
We met with Joe Urie to discuss tourism, reconciliation, parks and life lessons just a stone’s throw from where his ancestors arrived, on the shores of the mighty Athabasca. * This interview took place prior to the massive fire that devastated Jasper in the summer of 2024.
What do you think?
- What did you think of Joe’s story?
- Have we lost the plot when it comes the challenges facing our protected areas?
- What of the solutions Joe outlined? Are they the right ideas or are they unrealistic?
- Do you think tourism can help advance truth and reconciliation?
- How can more visual storytellers learn from Joe’s vision of good stewardship?
More on Joe
Read about him in the news: The Soul of Jasper
Favourite Books:Winnie the Pooh by A.A Milne, The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, Coyote Takes A Walk by Joseph Urie (shameless plug)
Favourite Podcast: Unreserved
Favourite Website or Program: PUTDOWNTHEDEVICEANDGETOUTSIDEANDGETSOMEFRESHAIRDAMMIT .com