DVD capture

Contributed photo

Travel Directions:
From Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy), take Morley Road, Exit 131, north 3.6 km to Hwy 1A, turn left (west) on 1A, 12 km to “Buffalo Paddock” sign. Turn left (south) at the “Peacekeepers” building, proceed 0.8 km to gate, continue 0.4 km to the second right hand turn. There is a green dumpster behind the birch trees on your right. Note: If you pass the vandalized building with the flat roof and the “MEN” sign on the front, you have gone too far.

[Alternately, if you are coming from the cliffs at Seebe, turn right (north) onto 1X (the road you came in on), go 2.1 km to intersection of 1A; go right (east) 8.8 km; turn right (south) at “Peacekeepers” building, proceed as directed above.]

The park is officially closed during wintertime though access by foot is feasible, weather permitting. You might want to contact Ray Greenwood, (403) 881-2614, for access arrangements, which may require payment of a $5 fee. Security guards in the area have been known to save paperwork by collecting fees from visitors on the spot.

Remarks:
The breathtaking Stoney Reservation near Morley is a fitting backdrop for starting a journey up Brokeback Mountain. The Buffalo Paddock area is a large tribal park which is used for rodeos and outdoor ceremonies.

The Stoney, who have distinct cultural ties to the Sioux, are one of western Canada’s proud Native peoples. For centuries, the nomadic Stoney lived in harmony with the land, following the seasonal migration routes of deer and bighorn sheep in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is believed that the modern day Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney bands all have Stoney roots.

To learn more about the history of the Stoney people, see:

http://www.canmorealberta.com/directory/about/history/kananaskis.html

Important:
Always obtain appropriate permission before entering private property and Native reserve lands. You may encounter horses roaming. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.

Quotation:
“Don’t let them stray. Joe will have your ass if you do.”