There is no better way to get to know someone than by learning, cooking, eating, hiking and sleeping in a tent with them for three weeks. I knew one person going into the course, but I was slightly worried about how the group would get along and how I would adjust to this lifestyle.
Sleeping in a tent with my sleeping bag was new for me, never mind the fact that I was beside a stranger. Waking up the first morning I was tired, but I knew after that day I had made a good decision.
The coursework has allowed me to view familiar concepts in a new light, as well as expanding my knowledge in different geological contexts.
From our guest speakers Alicia and Taos Yellowowl, who are enrolled members of the Blackfeet Nation, I was able to learn about commonalities and differences that exist between tribes. We discussed challenges that occur on reservations and how they have resulted from systems of settler colonialism.
During our time at Glacier National Park, we hiked with Park Ranger David Benson, who has worked for the National Park Service for almost 30 years. As a biology professor and ranger, he has a profound understanding of the physical landscape.
We got to taste wild herbs, learn about the geologic events that shaped the landscape and animals that call the park home, including the ptarmagin, a bird that David has done extensive research on. In addition to the geologic landscape, we got to see moose, bears, big horned sheep and several ground squirrels.
We listened to Lailani Upham at Native America Speaks, the longest running Indigenous speaker series in the National Park Service. It was amazing to hear why she pursued journalism as it reminds me of my draw to the field: telling the stories of underrepresented communities.
In addition, we got the opportunity to meet with Anne Carlson, director of the Crown of the Continent Landscape program. The organization collaborates with multiple agencies to combat climate change. This is especially important in a region that supplies water to a majority of the country and has an intact ecosystem.
The people I met on and off the trail was one of the best parts of this course. Not only did we have two extremely knowledgeable instructors, I have made new friends from all across the country, all while getting to explore a new state.
At the end of this course, when I turned over in my sleeping bag, I knew the person I was sleeping next to. While this course has ended, I know this will not be the last time I see my new friends who were once complete strangers.
