I did the Edmonton River Valley Askiy-Geo Discovery Tour with Keith, and it ended up being just the two of us. The walk portion wasn't difficult, and had plenty of stopping points, often with benches for sitting, so you can focus on all of the amazing knowledge that Keith shares about the history of Edmonton, Indigenous practices, and Metis languages. We did a tobacco offering on the Walterdale bridge, speaking words of thanks in four languages. I participated in my first smudging, and felt a strong emotional connection to the act of cleansing one's self of negativity. I came away from the experience with a greater appreciation for the city I call home, a deeper respect for all the people who safeguard our lands, and immense gratitude to Keith for his kindness, patience, and dedication to honoring our ancestors. If you have the opportunity to take a tour with Keith, do it - you won't regret it.

Talking Rock Tour, Learning from the Land: River Valley Askiy-Geo Discovery Tour, in Edmonton with Keith Diakiw. Can't say enough good things about this tour. Keith is a personable, enthusiastic guide with a great depth of knowledge about the Indigenous and geophysical history of our river valley. I finished the tour with so much new insight into how the two are inextricably tied together, as well as a greater understanding of our regional Indigenous cultures today. My perspective on the river valley is richer for it as I can see how it has always been intrinsic to the lives of all the peoples that have called it home over the centuries. Who knew you could learn so much about a city you already thought you knew? Thanks Keith.

Our group of First Nations, Métis and Inuit emerging leaders learned so much from our time on the Land and by the river with Talking Rock Tours. Thank you Keith for sharing your passion for geology and the history of the river valley with us! The Edmonton River Valley Askiy-Geo Discovery Tour is a great way to learn more about the river valley - highly recommend!

A deeply moving experience in every way. Talking Rock Tours offers one of the most powerful and meaningful experiences you can have in Edmonton and Alberta. This is so much more than a guided walk — it’s an opportunity to connect with the land through Indigenous knowledge sharing, science, and storytelling that spans thousands of years. Walking the land with Keith our guide is humbling and inspiring. The historical perspective shared — from geological formations to the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples — added layers of depth that made us see the landscape in a completely new light. You feel the history under your feet. You begin to understand not just where you are, but what it means to be here. The combination of cultural insight, traditional teachings, and scientific context creates an unforgettable experience — one that lingers long after the walk ends. It was informative, emotional, and eye-opening in all the best ways. If you're looking for something that stirs the soul while expanding your understanding of place, Talking Rock Tours is an absolute must. RiverWatch is a proud partner of Talking Rock Tours.

Excellent and powerful tour and wonderful professional learning opportunity. I discovered so much and have a deeper understanding of our history, and looked at things that I walked or drove by for years without truly seeing or understanding its importance or impact. Very knowledgeable guide who was able to draw us in with story to help us better understand our community, and connections to the past and with each other. Highly recommend for anyone, especially educators for all grade levels.

As a teacher with EPSB, my group and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Edmonton River Valley Tour, and it was absolutely amazing! It’s truly inspiring to witness the depth of history held within the land. We learned about meaningful Indigenous traditions, such as the offering of tobacco to each direction : south, north, east, and west, as a sign of respect and connection to the land. Seeing familiar places through Keith’s eyes gave them a whole new meaning. We were able to visualize how people lived on these lands centuries ago, which made the experience all the more powerful and reflective. Taanishi, Keith, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Exploring Edmonton with Keith is something special. His passion and knowledge are unmatched. He brings the geology, stories, and natural beauty of the area to life in a way that’s both educational and engaging. From rock formations to historical narratives, he ties everything together so thoughtfully. Even though I’ve lived in Edmonton for many years, I discovered so many new and fascinating aspects of our city. Keith’s enthusiasm and expertise made it all come alive.