Lyle Balenquah and Fanniscia June make Navajo frybread on the river as part of NAU's Native American river guide and cultural interpretation program. Participants are encouraged to introduce Native foods to future passengers during river trips as a way to share their cultural heritage. Photo by Pamela Matheus

Native culture flows
on student-guided river tours

Recent river trips down the San Juan and Colorado rivers are giving tourists a culturally enriched experience as Native American students are braving the rapids to share their tribal culture.

The students are part of a Native American river guide and cultural interpretation program, offered through NAU Outdoors and the Ecological Monitoring Assessment program.

The program was created as a way for Native Americans to share their unique cultural perspectives of the natural environment along the shores of Southwestern rivers. It also teaches Native students how to guide a river trip as well as about the local geology and human history of the area.

Trip leader and instructor Nikki Cooley says incorporating a cultural element can enhance tourists' river experiences with a deeper understanding of both Native culture and the rivers themselves.

"It's important that guides help passengers understand the innate connection between humans and the environment that surrounds them," she said. "A river trip is a spiritual experience, and people enjoy hearing our stories about cherishing the Earth and all her resources. With knowledge and insight, guides can transmit to passengers their unique cultural interpretations and environmental awareness."

Stephanie Jackson, a forestry major and guide-in-training, agrees. "I think passengers are excited to hear Native stories about the land because it makes the trip more significant and brings new meaning to the land and water that they travel through.

"Rivers aren't meant to be conquered, but respected and valued," she added. "While guiding, I try to stress that although we have some control, you must let the water take you where it wants to."

Of the students who have participated in the program, seven have gone on to guide river trips for Grand Canyon Youth, NAU Outdoors and a commercial Grand Canyon river trip outfitter.

This spring, the program will be offered as a for-credit course through NAU's Parks and Recreation Management department. For information on PRM 432, contact Nikki Cooley of the Ecological Monitoring Assessment or visit the department's web site.