Assistant Guide Training
Providing training, for Tahltan leaders of the future.
About Assistant Guide Training
Assistant guide training was created to ensure that guides for our programs, such as Tene Mehodihi, are adequately trained in bush skills, as well as Tahltan culture. The curriculum includes technical teachings, such as map, compass, and safety skills, as well as a wellness and cultural component to ensure that the guides have the skills to appropriately make decisions. The curriculum was designed by Curtis Rattray and David Rattray. Curtis Rattray owns and operates Edziza trails, a guiding business, he drew upon his experience, as well as the standards used by other guide certification programs. David Rattray is a councillor with over 30 years of experience and a Tahltan knowledge holder. Together they were able to build a comprehensive guide training program.
Course Description
The Assistant Guide Training takes place over 2 days classroom on the land and a 4 day backpacking trip during which candidates are expected to demonstrate ongoing ‘24/7’ client care. The goal of the course is to certify assistant guides to work with minimal supervision from expeditions guides in all types of hiking terrain. A second goal is to continue the candidate’s skill development. Assistant guides are expected to have strong leadership skills and support Expedition Guides.
“A key Tahltan belief is that one should always look for a person’s beauty - no matter how hard they hide it. Finding their beauty and showing it to them is a powerful healing experience. ”
— David Rattray