First Nations Cree storyteller Matricia Brown on how travellers can support Jasper after the wildfires

We talk to the First Nations Cree storyteller, drummer, singer and performer about Jasper, Alberta, and its recovery from the fires of 2024

Matricia Brown

26 October 2025

Matricia Brown takes visitors on ‘plant walks’ that look at the traditional food and medicines that come from the land, offering a vision of the region filtered through Indigenous culture and history (Warrior Women)

My tagline is that I Indigenise people, one drum beat at a time. I also share my personal experiences and knowledge in a way that helps with [Indigenous] reconciliation by offering authentic experiences. I love taking people on my new culture tour because it explains how the town (Jasper) has evolved with reconciliation over the time that I’ve been here. There is such artistic expression, and it’s exciting that it involves and displays Indigenous art.

Every week, I do a fireside chat where the community and visitors can come together. They learn about Indigenous culture and about each other. I don’t have a favourite part of it, but visitors love the plant walk; it introduces them to the flora through an Indigenous lens. It’s always a charming experience to watch the realisation of how powerful our natural surroundings can be.

I moved to Jasper because I wanted a more active lifestyle. I love hiking, biking and skiing, and I find the mountains very motivating. The beautiful landscape begs to be seen. Jasper is a small town of about 5,000 residents, and we are a close-knit group. We have so many things to do and an entire mountainscape to play in and explore. We enjoy rafting, hiking and biking, and we have over 50 restaurants and mountain shops.

(Warrior Women)
(Warrior Women)
(Warrior Women)

The 2024 wildfires were devastating. We are a visitor economy and rely on tourism. We are in recovery and will be for a while. It’s still important to check the Parks Canada website for trails that are open, but it’s a good year to take a ride on the tramway or a drive to Maligne.

Try to understand Indigenous culture. Be curious and ask questions! Check out the Parks Canada website on the topic and do some research. I would recommend joining me on a plant walk, beading class, culture tour or fireside chat.

When you come to Jasper, treat yourself. Book a massage, a tour, dinner, etc. Your visit is a lifeline, helping the community to recover!

Matricia and her daughter, Mackenzie, run Warrior Women (warriorwomen.ca)