Interpretive Guides Association

09/08/2026

Please read this excellent article on Lauren Moberly in the current issue of Mountain Life Magazine - Rockies.

If you work in Jasper National Park, it's important to know the deeper stories of its creation, including how Indigenous Peoples were pushed out of the lands they'd live on. This is how we can heal together. By recognizing harms of the past, and making things better. Together.

Lauren is an amazing person and entrepreneur, and we're honoured to work with her on updating our IGA textbook! She's collecting and sharing stories of her people, the Aseniwuche Winewak / Mountain Cree. Thanks to her hard work, we'll be able to share a more honest history of the Rockies, and put reconciliation into action in our guiding.

Thanks for all you do, Lauren! And thanks to Mountain Life Magazine for their excellent stories.

Head to page 43: https://issuu.com/mountainlifemedia/docs/mlrm-summer-2026?fr=sNjEzZTg2MDU3OTc

Or grab a copy for a non-digital experience :)

Fallen Mountain Soap
Mountain Life

08/28/2026

Alberta's outdoor sector is bigger than the data shows, but if we don't have the data, we aren't recognized. Help make sure outdoor employers and workers are represented.

If you're an outdoor employer or worker in Alberta, help change that. Two short surveys (under 15 min each) are open now and close September 16th. The more people who take part, the
clearer the picture of how big this workforce really is and what it looks like.

Thanks to our friends at the Outdoor Council of Canada for working for our collective recognition, and the continued work of the IGA's Executive Director Tracey Gage who has championed the Interpretation field for decades.

Employer Survey
Survey Link: https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/312/Employer/

Employee Survey
Survey Link: https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/312/Employee/

08/20/2026

❄ Register early to secure your spot!

Parks Canada requires land-based day guides leading winter hikes and snowshoe tours to have either an IGA 4-Season Interpretive Hiking Guide certification (Group Management course), or ACMG Hiking Guide with Winter Travel certification.

Learn essential skills for winter safety with our fantastic instructors!

Register here: https://interpretiveguides.org/group-management-hiking-guide-course/upcoming-group-management-courses/

08/18/2026

It's quiz contest time again! 🐋 This time, test your knowledge of West Coast Wildlife. Everyone who submits the quiz will be entered into a draw for a chance to win an animal s**t bandana!

Deadline: Wednesday, August 19

Tip: If you're a member, you had a few extra days to complete this quiz because it was shared through our Member Update. 😉 That's where we share some of our most important information, including job postings and guiding opportunities.

Take the quiz here: https://forms.gle/rjLdEBzemN29ZeXM6

Sign up for our newsletter/member updates here: https://interpretiveguides.org/ (scroll to the bottom of our homepage).

Good luck!

08/05/2026

Every year on August 9 we - as guides, educators, and storytellers - have an opportunity to recognize the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

What is the background and meaning behind this day?

From the United Nations:

"We need Indigenous communities for a better world.

There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They make up less than 6 per cent of the world's population, but account for at least 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.

Indigenous Peoples are inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples.

Indigenous Peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous Peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

In order to raise awareness of the needs of Indigenous Peoples, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982."

At the Interpretive Guides Association, we are committed to learning, listening, and building respectful relationships. We honour the enduring connections Indigenous Peoples have to the lands where we live, work, and guide, and we remain committed to supporting truth and reconciliation through our education, partnerships, and ongoing learning.

Photo: Grand Cache, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
Travel Alberta

07/28/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Connor, the winner of our Canadian Rockies Wildflowers Quiz prize draw! 🌼

Connor's name was randomly drawn from 60 entries. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Missed the contest? You can still take the quiz!

Once you hit Submit, you'll receive the answers along with fun facts to enrich your interpretation and learn more about these beautiful wildflowers. 🌸

Try it here: https://forms.gle/VzC1nQznsrcFbhjm6

07/17/2026

Take your interpretive storytelling to the next level with our immersive Interpretive Specialist course!

Over two interactive online days, you'll learn research-based methods for creating meaningful stories and experiences that your audiences will remember long after the tour, program, or presentation ends.

✅ Two days
✅ One exam
✅ A respected certification to add to your resume

📅 September 28–29, 2026
💻 Online — join from anywhere!

Register here: https://interpretiveguides.org/events/september-28-29-2026/

07/10/2026

🌼 Test your knowledge of Canadian Rockies wildflowers! 🌼

We've created a 10-question quiz featuring wildflowers currently in bloom. Score 80% or higher to be entered to win an animal track bandana (shipping within Canada only).

📅 Submit your answers by: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
🎉 Draw date: July 16, 2026
📧 The winner will be notified by email

Please note: There will be two more contests to test knowledge from different regions in Canada. Stay tuned!

Quiz link here: https://forms.gle/NJy9MTeLu4Grus3ZA

07/02/2026

Excellent opportunities for Professional Development credit! Attend, then submit through your member profile.

10 hours/year to keep your certification active.

https://interpretiveguides.org/members-section/professional-development/professional-development/

Get ready for a summer of connection, discovery, and adventure with the Friends of Jasper Summer Program!

From guided hikes and hands-on learning to community events and outdoor exploration, our summer lineup is all about getting outside, meeting great people, and deepening your connection to Jasper’s incredible landscapes.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something for everyone- come be part of it this summer! 🌿🥾

Spaces are limited on our summer programs, so be sure to register https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/friends-of-jasper-national-park-30585304872?aff=ebdsshcopyurl💚

07/02/2026

IGA Executive Director Tracey Gage just returned from delivering a second round of trainings in Iceland! Read on for a summary of her experience.

"Big things are happening for interpretation on the edge of the Arctic.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the pleasure of working with the Silversea Expeditions training team in Iceland, delivering two Apprentice Interpreter certification courses before their guides embarked on their first Arctic journeys aboard the Silver Endeavour and Silver Wind.

Silversea Expeditions has made an incredible commitment to train and certify all 120 of their expedition guides through the Interpretive Guides Association’s Apprentice Interpreter program in 2026, with plans to move into Interpretive Specialist training in 2027. This is not a requirement for them. It is a choice. A big, bold, leadership-level choice that shows how deeply they value interpretation, guest experience, and the role skilled guides play in creating meaningful travel.

I also had the pleasure of working with Terence Christine, who is now a fully certified IGA trainer and a wonderful addition to our instructor team. Terence brings a wealth of knowledge in training, education, interpretation, and expedition guiding. He has already delivered his first course in Tromsø, Norway, with his next course taking place in Nuuk, Greenland.

It was such a privilege to meet Silversea guides from around the world, learn from their incredible knowledge of Arctic geology, ecology, history, and culture, and see how much passion they bring to their work.

This partnership is a huge step forward for the IGA, for expedition guiding, and for the broader travel and tourism world. Certified interpreters don’t just deliver information. They create better programs, stronger connections, inspired guests, and memorable experiences that stay with people long after the journey ends.

That is the power of interpretation, and that is what the Interpretive Guides Association is here for."