First Nations communities of modern-day Alberta have been gathering, harvesting, and connecting to the inspiring lands of Jasper National Park from ancient times, playing an integral part in upholding the beauty and history of this spiritual place. Travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour and enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the Indigenous history of Canada, and discover the heartbeat of Mother Earth with the Warrior Women.  

Read more: Why journeying through the Rocky Mountains will stay with you for a lifetime 

Meet the Warrior Women  

 Amongst the sublime mountain peaks, icy glaciers and azure lakes of Jasper Park, lies a very special, and intimate, Luxury Gold MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Here you are invited onto traditional First Nations land that is now part of Jasper National Park for the unique opportunity to spend time with the First Nations Warrior Women and learn all about their community and culture. Immerse yourself in the legends of the Cree people, hear stories of the land and people that will stay with you forever, and gain a deeper understanding of the First Nations’ spirituality 

As they sweep you up in conversation, Matricia and Mackenzie Brown, Matriarchs of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, openly share their knowledge and passion with their guests. Enjoy storytelling and drumming and savor traditional foods over an intimate fireside BBQ on Trefoil Lake, all with spectacular views of Pyramid Mountain. You will even learn songs and phrases in Cree to take away and share with your family and friends.  

Experience a deep-rooted connection to the lands and culture 

Matricia Brown, Founder of Warrior Women tells us more: “As founder of Warrior Women, my goal is to open the eyes of locals and travelers alike with experiences that bring a better understanding of both the culture and the land of our Indigenous people.” 

“We welcome you to explore our deep-rooted connection to the land while taking part in fireside chats and plant walks. Both experiences include the sacred traditions of drumming and singing, practices found in every aspect of our culture from celebrations of new births to the passing of loved ones.  

“During these sacred rituals, you’ll engage in conversation with me and other guests, walking away with a genuine and heartfelt experience often overlooked in the tourism industry.”  

Discover this on: Majesty of the Rockies 

Who are the Warrior Women?  

A mother and daughter who are rooted in tradition and ambassadors of their knowledge, Warrior Women are Matricia and Mackenzie Brown, both First Nations Cree, from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Matricia, a singer, songwriter, musician, drummer and artist, has had the privilege of sharing her culture over the last 20 years in schools and through workshops, where she teaches drum making and leather binding amongst other traditions. Her daughter Mackenzie is a performer, drummer, tourism entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for at-risk youth in Alberta.   

Reclaiming their culture

Combining music with a special interactive intimacy, the fireside chats offer a free space for guests to explore their curiosity and learn about the Indigenous history of Canada in a personal, thoughtful way. Through sharing her life experiences and music, Matricia brings the beauty of her culture to the forefront. 

She explains “For me personally, Indigenous drumming and singing is a way to connect to my own culture on a daily basis. After being taken from my reservation at the age of five (a sad part of Canadian history referred to as “The Sixties Scoop”), part of my story is the loss of a natural family. Evolving as a person meant reclaiming my culture.  

 “Drumming journeys are a way for Indigenous people to celebrate their roots, and also a way to share the beauty of our culture with others.  The spirit of the land and the symbiotic relationship between earth and mankind is vital to understanding Indigenous people – this encompasses relationships between the people and the land, the people and the animals, and between the people themselves.”   

Jasper National Park  

At 2.7 million acres, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. “There’s no better setting for this than Jasper Park. Everything here sustains us” says Matricia, “Every berry, every leaf, every flower, every tree and every animal has a legend behind it. Like how the rabbit got its long ears, or why the bear has no tail. With so many elements right at our doorstep, you are able to see how we can use these resources in practical ways, such as botanical oils and moccasin-making.  

“For 10,000 years Indigenous people have been able find health and equilibrium by what mother earth provides us with. By understanding Indigenous culture, you learn to understand yourself. I think that’s what I’d like people to take away the most.” 

Majesty of the Rockies 

To meet the Warrior Women and learn about Indigenous history, travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour. This exceptional 9-Day journey takes you through the Rocky Mountains, uncovering the treasures of Western Canada. Feel like royalty on a luxurious train ride onboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service, admiring the breathtaking scenery as you travel through the Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver. Explore the great frozen tundra of the Columbia Icefield, step on the Athabasca Glacier and board the Ice Explorer for a voyage across the largest icefield in the Rockies.  

Travel with Luxury Gold and you can also choose to extend this remarkable journey and fly to Vancouver Island via seaplane for an additional stay or alternatively, embark on a cruise to explore Alaska.  

With our 2024 tours to the Americas now available, there is no better time to start planning your journey of a lifetime. 

The spectacular landscapes of Jasper National Park, in western Alberta, Canada, draw visitors from around the world. Dotted with mountain scenery and natural wildlife, at 2.7 million acres it is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.

Take a visit this stunning wilderness and you may just find a deeper connection within yourself, amid the tranquility.

Meet the Matriarchs of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation

Travel to Jasper National Park with Luxury Gold and meet First Nations Warrior Women, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

First Nations communities of modern-day Alberta have been gathering, harvesting, and connecting to these inspiring lands from ancient times, playing an integral part in upholding the beauty and history of this spiritual place.

This is a very special opportunity to spend time with the fascinating Matriarchs of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and learn all about their community and culture. Travel on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour and be swept up in conversation, storytelling and drumming. Learn songs, and phrases in Cree and gain a deeper understanding of the First Nations’ spirituality.

Here Matricia Brown, Founder of Warrior Women tells us more:

To the beat of the drum

“As founder of Warrior Women, an Indigenous-space business based out of Jasper National Park, my goal is to open the eyes of locals and travelers alike with experiences that bring a better understanding of both the culture and the land. of our Indigenous people.

“We welcome you to explore our deep-rooted connection to the land while taking part in fireside chats and plant walks. Both experiences include the sacred traditions of drumming and singing, practices found in every aspect of our culture from celebrations of new births to the passing of loved ones.

“During these sacred rituals, you’ll engage in conversation with me and other guests, walking away with a genuine and heartfelt experience often overlooked in the tourism industry.”

Reclaiming my culture

“For me personally, Indigenous drumming and singing is a way to connect to my own culture on a daily basis. After being taken from my reservation at the age of five (a sad part of Canadian history referred to as “The Sixties Scoop”), part of my story is the loss of a natural family. Evolving as a person meant reclaiming my culture.

“Drumming journeys are a way for Indigenous people to celebrate their roots, and also a way to share the beauty of our culture with others.  The spirit of the land and the symbiotic relationship between earth and mankind is vital to understanding Indigenous people – this encompasses relationships between the people and the land, the people and the animals, and between the people themselves.”

A Land that continues to give

“There’s no better setting for this than Jasper Park. Everything here sustains us. Every berry, every leaf, every flower, every tree, every animal— has a legend behind it. Like how the rabbit got its long ears, or why the bear has no tail. With so many elements right at our doorstep, you are able to see how we can use these resources in practical ways, such as botanical oils and moccasin-making.

“For 10,000 years Indigenous people have been able find health and equilibrium by what mother earth provides us with. By understanding Indigenous culture, you learn to understand yourself. I think that’s what I’d like people to take away the most.”

Travel tip

So, are you feeling inspired to visit Jasper National Park? Matricia’s travel tip: wear layers and bring sneakers! Jasper’s drastically different elevations mean any weather is on the table.

Experience the Majesty of the Rockies

Of course we would say this, but there’s no better way to experience the magic of Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies than on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour. Think stunning accommodations, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences, such as the opportunity to meet with the First Nations Warrior Women.

Feel like royalty on a luxurious train ride onboard the Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service, admiring the most amazing scenery as you travel through the Rockies from Jasper to Vancouver. Explore the great frozen tundra of the Columbia Icefield, step on the Athabasca Glacier and board the Ice Explorer for a voyage across the largest icefield in the Rockies.

Join another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vancouver as you support a local restaurant that’s owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations. Sample flavorful dishes with a modern twist, all prepared with traditional ingredients.

And, if that is not enough, you can also choose to extend this remarkable 9-Day journey. Why not go all out and fly to Vancouver Island via seaplane for an additional stay or alternatively, embark on a cruise to explore Alaska?

Our commitment to sustainable travel

At Luxury Gold, and across our sister brands of The Travel Corporation, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have on their communities and those who experience them.

With MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences you can try something you have never tried before and gain new skills. Exchange values, meet unforgettable people and enjoy many laughs. All the while knowing you have made a positive and lasting impact through your travels.

Download our 2022 & 2023 interactive brochure for more information on our worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.

For travel lovers, the ringing in of a New Year means new vacation plans. But have you taken time to choose your new year’s travel resolutions?

If you are keen to make 2022 the best year of travel yet, then you are in good company. A recent poll from Expedia has revealed that 2022 will be the year of GOAT – Greatest Of All trips! They surveyed 12,000 travelers across 12 countries, and two thirds said this was their intention.

Check out these other top trends to help you choose your travel resolutions. And maybe your next dream vacation…

1- Step outside your comfort zone

It’s official! 2022 is the year to try something new. Are you thinking of getting back to travel? A popular travel resolution is to push your boundaries a little. There are many ways to add a little spice to your dream vacation without giving up all your comforts.

With Luxury Gold: Admire the Canadian Rockies by helicopter. There’s no better way to see these mesmerizing peaks. And get your thrills at the same time! You can choose a helicopter ride as an optional extra on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour.

2- Try New Foods

The world is bursting with flavors just waiting to be discovered. 40% of those surveyed by Expedia have vowed to be adventurous and try new foods on their travels.  We can all get stuck in a culinary rut sometimes, and it is well known that traditional recipes, delicacies and delights always taste best in their own country. For any particular eaters out there take a look at our sister blog from Insight Vacations for tips to help you on the way.

With Luxury Gold: Join a Tuscan culinary masterclass, set in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour. Join a professional chef, uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking then taste your creations over a lovely lunch.

3- Immerse Yourself in a New Culture

Travel is about more than just visiting another amazing destination. Travelers are keen to meet the locals and practice new languages. Learning new skills and joining in with local projects and activities are great ways to immerse yourself in new cultures too.

With Luxury Gold: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and culture of India in the stunning pink city of Jaipur. Join local ladies for a pink rickshaw ride, see the sights and learn all about their lives families and customs. Visit the local flower and spice market, enjoy high tea and sample delicious blends of traditional and contemporary cuisine.  Visit this beautiful country on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours.

4- Spend Less Time on Devices

Don’t we all wish that we would put our phones down and disconnect more often? Recent times have taught us not to take anything for granted, to savor the moment. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed plan to spend less time on their devices to be more in the present, and what better way to do this than with travel?

With Luxury Gold: Visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls in South America and devices will be the last thing on your mind. These immense cascades are the largest waterfall system in the world and sit on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Connect with the present in this enchanting world on our Classic South America and Grand South America luxury guided tours.

5- Get Back to Nature

Enjoying off-the-beaten-path experiences and destinations is a must for 2022, say a quarter of survey respondents. Maybe this means trying new routes around destinations you have seen before, or completely new journeys to faraway lands.

With Luxury Gold: Step away from it all with a voyage to the spellbinding Machu Picchu. It doesn’t get more off the beaten path than this! This is just one of the ways to get back to nature on our Treasures of the Incas 12-day luxury guided tour. Gain a whole new perspective as you explore the natural wonders of Peru.

6- Find a Sense of Contentment and Mental Well-Being

Wanting a little bit more from our travels is becoming increasingly important, to find a sense of contentment. This could be achieved by giving something back, contributing to the preservation of traditions or just knowing that you’ve left a lasting positive impact as you go.

With Luxury Gold:  Meet the fascinating and entertaining Marta on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, in Italy. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Meet the women and admire the craft, and bring this travel resolution to life on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour.

7- Go Luxury!

Among U.S. respondents, 40% say they are more willing to treat themselves and spend money on upcoming travel. This includes indulging in luxurious experiences, upgrading hotels or visiting a bucket-list destination.

With Luxury Gold: We’ve got all this and more! What better way to take the journey of a lifetime and visit the places you have always dreamed of? Think 5-star hotels, exceptional cuisine, VIP Experiences and your Travel Concierge and Well-Being Director taking care of every detail. With Luxury Gold you can just concentrate on having an amazing time.

So have we helped you make your travel resolutions?  Why not give yourselves the ultimate travel treat this year? Take a look at our collection of worldwide luxury guided tours in our interactive brochure and imagine yourself packing your suitcase.