Salmo’s Mountain Muskox Group Offers Healing After Trauma

A peer-support group in Salmo, British Columbia, aims to assist individuals who have experienced trauma related to outdoor activities in the backcountry. The local chapter of Mountain Muskox, a non-profit organization backed by The Alpine Club of Canada, provides a safe space for those affected by tragedies and loss in mountainous regions.

Founded in Alberta, Mountain Muskox has expanded to several locations, including Canmore, Golden, Whistler, Squamish, and Salmo, which opened its chapter in February 2023. The group convenes monthly, attracting participants of various ages and backgrounds. Attendees include individuals who have lost loved ones in backcountry accidents, as well as guides who have witnessed injuries or fatalities during recreational outings.

Incidents in the West Kootenay region, though not frequent, can be particularly devastating. Notably, three individuals died in an avalanche north of Kaslo in March 2023, and two police officers also lost their lives in an avalanche that year. Such tragedies have a profound impact on communities like Nelson, where mountain culture is deeply intertwined with both recreation and identity.

Cheryl Smith, a resident of Nelson and a counsellor with Mountain Muskox, emphasized the dual nature of the mountains for those in the community. “The mountains give them so much joy and strength,” she said. “It’s where they meet friends and escape the pressures of daily life, but that joy can turn to fear after a traumatic event.”

The sessions also include participation from first responders, such as volunteers from search and rescue organizations. Counsellor Kat Williamson noted that these individuals often lack opportunities to process their own mental health needs after experiencing traumatic incidents during rescue operations. “They are expected to move on quickly, even when the next situation may be just as traumatic,” Williamson explained.

During Mountain Muskox gatherings, participants openly discuss their grief, self-judgment, and survivor’s guilt. Many express relief simply to share their experiences in a supportive environment. Williamson pointed out that mountain tourism communities may struggle with processing grief when tragedies occur. Creating a safe space for individuals to reflect can be beneficial, even if they choose not to speak.

“Just being present in that space, knowing others understand and are willing to listen, can be healing,” she said.

Smith and Williamson also focus on helping participants rebuild their relationship with nature. While the pain of a traumatic event cannot be erased, Williamson believes it is possible to heal one’s connection to the environment. “This relationship might need to be reconstructed on different foundations,” she said. “It may have once been built on high energy and excitement, but now it requires self-awareness and compassion.”

The work of Mountain Muskox underscores the importance of mental health support in areas where outdoor recreation plays a significant role in community identity. As individuals navigate their grief, the group provides a vital lifeline, allowing them to process their experiences while reaffirming their connection to the mountains they love.