The Interpretive Guides Association is supported by over 2,000 active members, a volunteer Board of Directors, and a team of staff.
We welcome anyone who would like to share their ideas, passion, and zest for interpretation to contact us or get involved in the association.
Tracey Gage, Executive Director
Tracey has degrees in Wildlife Biology and Geography from Guelph University and has her teaching degree from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. She has worked as a researcher an educator and a guide since 1990 and has been in the Canadian Rockies since 1997.
Since her move to the Rockies, she has worked as a backcountry guide, interpretive guide, manager of an interpretive guiding program, tour guide, grizzly bear educator and an operations manager in the destination management field. Her strengths lie in training and coaching guides in the theory, knowledge and spontaneity of the interpretation field. Tracey loves the mountains and what the Bow Valley has to offer to locals and guests alike. She is an accredited Master Interpreter with the IGA and has gone through the ACMG hiking guide training as well.
Tracey received her Professional certification with the IGA in 2003, designed and developed the interpretive training program used in the AI course and recently redeveloped PI course and was certified as one of our master interpreters in 2018. Tracey is excited to continue supporting and representing interpretive guides and the interpretive guiding profession throughout Canada and beyond.
Jane Marshall, Communications and Engagement Lead
Jane Marshall is an adventurer, writer, and Bow Valley local. Her lastest book Searching for Happy Valley (Rocky Mountain Books) is all about our human connection with the land, and how we can learn from its Indigenous caretakers. She was given the Blackfoot name Walking Above while writing her book, and she works to honour her name by helping others grow meaningful connections with the mountains. Jane is also the Director and Co-Founder of The Compassion Project, a grassroots charity that offers free health care and education in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Jane is the Communications and Engagement Lead for the IGA, and loves helping guides and enthusiasts learn the deeper stories of the land. She is also committed to growing Indigenous connections for the IGA in the true spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.
Erin Fowler, Operations Assistant
Erin is an environmental educator and outdoor leader who has a deep connection to the Bow Valley. She has spent much of her life and career outdoors and has always been drawn to roles that help people explore, learn about, and connect with the natural world. Her experience in outdoor and environmental education ranges from instructing and guiding youth to studying how individuals build and strengthen their relationships with nature.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Physical Education in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Mount Royal University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication at Royal Roads University. Her graduate studies gave her the opportunity to explore the many ways people understand, experience, and connect with place.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors and discovering new ways to learn from and engage with the land. She is excited to join the IGA community and contribute to an organization that shares her passion for helping others create meaningful outdoor experiences while building their connections with nature and place.