For Niitsitapi climber, paramedic, and mentor Cassie Ayoungman of Siksika Nation, the mountains have always been teachers. They are places of adventure, healing, and renewal that have shaped her life and inspired her to imagine something bigger.
That vision became Soul of Miistaki, a not-for-profit built to create space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) to connect with the land, with themselves, and with each other.

“I was inspired to start Soul of Miistaki by the lack of representation in outdoor spaces and by the experiences the mountains have given me,” Cassie says. “They’ve been a place to challenge myself, grow, and gain perspective, and I wanted my community to have the chance to enjoy those same experiences. Bringing people together to share these moments felt like the natural next step, a way to turn something that shaped me personally into something that could benefit others.”

What began with one camp has grown into a range of programs including entry-level climbing, biking, skiing, and ice climbing, as well as advanced training in skills like rock rescue and climbing.

“Since those early days, we’ve grown a lot while still keeping our Cultural Climbing Camp as our main program,” Cassie explains. “I envision a world where BIPOC individuals feel confident and capable in the mountains, surrounded by a community that supports and uplifts them.”

While mountain culture can often feel exclusive, Soul of Miistaki is changing that narrative. Programs are BIPOC-exclusive and guided by Indigenous knowledge keepers who open each gathering in circle and prayer.

“When we start our days on the land in a good way, it allows participants to take that energy forward into the activity,” Cassie says. “The pride they feel in trying something new often ripples out into their families and communities. Participants often tell us they’ve done something they never thought they could. They carry that pride home, sharing their accomplishments with their families and inspiring their kids to step into new experiences.”

That ripple effect is being made possible thanks to strong community partnerships. The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation has stepped forward with funding to help Soul of Miistaki expand its reach and deepen its impact.

“At the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, we believe that time spent outdoors connects people to themselves, to each other, and helps build community,” says Cathy Geisler, Executive Director. “Soul of Miistaki is doing incredible work to ensure those connections are welcoming to everyone. Cassie’s leadership and vision are inspiring, and we’re proud to support her in creating spaces where people feel celebrated and empowered in the outdoors.”

The Pauw Foundation’s support is enabling Soul of Miistaki to develop upcoming six-week mentorship sessions in skiing and climbing, designed to help participants learn, lead, and guide future generations.

“Supporting local leaders like Cassie is at the heart of our mission,” Cathy adds. “When we invest in people with vision and determination, entire communities benefit.”

Cassie shares that this support is more than financial. It is a gesture of trust and belief in the work she and her team are doing.

“We are deeply grateful to the Pauw Foundation for their support, which makes it possible for us to continue offering these programs and experiences. Their generosity enables us to reach more people, share meaningful experiences, and strengthen the positive impact our programs have in the community. We are truly thankful for their trust and belief in the work we do.”