We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Louis Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Louis below.
Louis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
The school system in my region could use a major tune-up. The four corners region is the ancestral homelands to an extensive population of Indigenous tribes. Within the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah & Colorado are lands occupied by the Ute, Dine (Navajo), Hopi, Zuni, Paiute, Jemez, Apache and many other Pueblo nations.
Language is important to one’s identity and is key to achieving balance in their life. Language is very important in many ways. I am Dine (Navajo), and I have grandparents who do not speak or understand English. Their first language is Dine (Navajo). They are very knowledgeable and are great teachers/mentors. They teach us the importance of our language and encourage us to utilize it as much as possible.
A change I would love to see, is for schools located within Indigenous lands to teach in the Native languages. I’d like to see, within the public school system, an increased effort to encourage native children to learn their native language and also learn educational concepts in that language.
I believe if our younger generation were multi-lingual, their opportunities and drive in life would increase. There are schools in foreign countries where it is proven that children who are multi-lingual are more likely to have good careers when they grow older.
Louis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
“Ya at’eeh, shi ei Louis Williams yinishye. Biihbitoniih nishli, Chippewa bashashchiin. Tobazhniazhi da shi chei adoo Nalani da shi nali. Teehindeeh nasha.”
That is my introduction in the Dine (Navajo) language.
It translates to: “Howdy, my name is Louis Williams. I am of the “Deer Springs people”, born for the Chippewa. “Two people coming to the water people” is my mother’s father’s clan and Sioux is my father’s father’s clan. Kayenta, Az is where I was raised.”
I am the owner of Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures, a guiding company in southeast Utah. Our services evolve around our Indigenous culture. We provide river rafting expeditions along the San Juan River with emphasis on providing guests a unique Indigenous experience. Our guides are local and of Indigenous descent. They love to share stories about their culture and homelands.
We also lead hikes and backpack trips in the Bears Ears National Monument. The landscapes where we conduct tours are the ancestral homelands of our ancestors. Our guides share about the archaeology, botany, geology, and wildlife of the region. Many people visit this region because of the immense presence of ancient civilizations or archaeological sites. There is no better way to explore this area than with an Indigenous guide.
Our services involve showing guests the importance of taking care of the land and water sources. We show guests how we still depend on the resources of the land for food and other necessities. The work we do coincides with land preservation and resource conservation.
I’m very proud of the team and their work to grow Ancient Wayves. It has been a team effort throughout the years. We are very fortunate to be able to do the work we do in the area we are. We are the first company, Indigenous owned, to acquire a commercial river permit on the San Juan River and to run guided tours in the BENM. We are making waves in the industry!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
At one time, I was a full-time river guide who practically lived on the river because of the number of trips I did throughout the season. Weekends or holidays, you would find me in the canyons floating along the San Juan River.
The natural beauty along the river is mesmerizing and inspiring. In order to see that beauty requires long days of rowing and lifting gear.
Withing the canyons, one has to be prepared and aware of the hazards that come with river rafting.
There are no elevators or easy access routes out of there and there is no phone reception. If there is a storm, we have to keep ourselves safe and out of harm.
One time I remember rowing when the “w” was strong as Helen. The “W” aka known as a strong breeze can get brutal if it is blowing upriver.
That day I learned if you stay in the current and get momentum, it is possible to row an 18-foot boat when the gusts are strong. Patience and determination were very important at that time.
That illustration shows the drive I have to grow Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Providing quality tours helped build our reputation.
We have a reputation of having unique tours in the region. Feedback and recommendations from customers have helped us grow and get exposure within our market.
Our guides need to be on top of their game to deliver solid tours.
Many of our guests are interested in learning about the area which means our guides need be knowledgeable.
Education and culture are key factors in us building our reputation within the market we’re in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tourancientwayves.com
- Instagram: @ancientwayves
- Facebook: @Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures
Image Credits
Louis Williams, Lyle Balenquah & Olivier Barthez