Spirits of the Rockies: Reasserting an Indigenous Presence in Banff National Park

‘Spirits of the Rockies contributes most significantly to our understanding of the history of indigenous people’s participation in sport, recreation, and exhibition…Scholars in several disciplines will appreciate it.’

Ted Binnema, The Canadian Journal of Native Studies vol35:01:2015

‘Mason offers a novel interpretation of the historical production of racialized indigeneity.’

Anna J. Willow, Canadian Journal of History vol 51:03:2016

“When I first discovered mountain climbing and skiing in the 1960s, I did not think enough about the First Nations who have called the Rocky Mountains home for millennia. Reading this book has made me rethink my place in the Banff–Bow Valley and increased my awareness of our responsibility to honour the presence of First Nations and share this place with our Nakoda neighbours.” Chic Scott, author of 'Pushing the Limits: The Story of Canadian Mountaineering'

“Spirits of the Rockies is an important and timely book. Its dynamic account reframes the Banff–Bow Valley, placing indigenous actors and understandings at its centre. In the process, it explores the impacts wrought by colonialism, the opportunities brought by tourism, and the ways First Nations people have engaged with both.  Its discussion of the contradictions at the heart of the Canadian experience and of indigenous resilience has special relevance today.” C. Richard King, Department of Critical Culture, Gender, and Race Studies, Washington State University

“A valuable piece of scholarship on Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Spirits of the Rockies will contribute to discussions on how we ‘do’ history and how we can understand complex power and racial relations in new ways.” Carly Adams, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge