0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- Mountains.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- The upper reaches of the world.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- A challenge and inspiration - for humanity.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- The people of the mountains - are tough and inventive.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27- They've learnt how to live here - and maintain a culture.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- Below, the world is getting warmer.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- The climate is changing.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- The mountains are not separate from - the fate of the rest of the planet.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50- From the peaks of Korea to the hills - of the Rwenzori in Africa.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- From the Alps to the Andes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- From the Rockies to the Himalayas.
0:01:00 > 0:01:06- This is the story of living - on the high parts of Earth.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- The mountains of the world.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- The Canadian province of Alberta.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- An opportunity - for me to realize a dream.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43- Today, I don't have to chase a story - like I do as a BBC News reporter.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- I've come to see the Rockies - in all their splendour...
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- ..and to witness the effect - that these mountains have...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- ..on visitors, on locals...
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- ..and on the people who can trace - their ancestors in the Rockies...
0:02:02 > 0:02:03- ..over centuries.
0:02:05 > 0:02:11- Only one word can describe - that effect - inspirational.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- So many stories - emanate from these mountains.
0:02:19 > 0:02:25- We must put our ears to the ground - and hear our forefathers.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- While the secret knowledge - of the mountains inspires some...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..for others, - it's an escape from everyday life.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- For me, the mountains - is where we feel a kind of energy.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- I feel more whole...
0:02:42 > 0:02:48- ..less stressed by technology - and the pressures of our culture.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Not that everything - in the Rockies comes easy.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- It's hard to think about the arms - and legs at the same time.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00- I don't want to fall.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- But if you put the effort in...
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- ..it's a great experience.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- For wheelchair users, the freedom of - the slopes transforms their lives.
0:03:14 > 0:03:20- Their eyes dazzling. - Their smiling faces - priceless!
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- The wind on their skin - success!
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- Being in the mountains - is beneficial to everyone's health.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- There are now efforts to restore - the health of the environment too.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Animals who were crucial - to the mountains' natural balance...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..have started a strange journey - back to their habitat.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- The dream is - for the bison to return...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- ..to graze and roam the land - once more.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- For First Nations people, - reintroducing the bison...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..is like having an old relation - back on the mountains.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- The bison is central - to their legends and customs.
0:04:12 > 0:04:22- The Big Spirit gave us the bison - to help sustain our way of life.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- In the Rockies, there's more to - nature than the beautiful landscape.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- The mountain spirit - permeates through people's lives.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- The Mountain is our High Chief.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- When you see it, you've come home.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- From New Mexico in the USA - to British Columbia in Canada.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- The Rockies stretch 5,000km - across North America.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- The first Europeans - came here 300 years ago.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- They discovered a striking landscape - teeming with wildlife.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- The Rockies are beautiful - all year round.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- But in the winter, it's magical.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Fur and minerals - attracted the first travellers.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- Before the 20th century, the people - here came to the conclusion...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..that the mountains' beauty - was even more valuable.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- Banff was the third National Park - in the history of the world.
0:05:39 > 0:05:46- People visit from all over - it's - world famous for its wild mountains.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- A habitat for wildlife - that's - the idea behind the National Park.
0:05:51 > 0:06:00- A home for wildlife - but a place for people to visit too.
0:06:11 > 0:06:17- The National Park expresses - our love towards the old country.
0:06:17 > 0:06:24- It says, "I love my landscape - and I demand that it's protected."
0:06:25 > 0:06:33- Wildlife and the opportunity to see - something bigger than ourselves...
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- ..that's the Park in essence.
0:06:39 > 0:06:47- The challenge for Banff is to - welcome 4 million visitors a year...
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- ..without losing - the Park's natural spirit.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- In the middle of this tourist - dilemma is the town of Banff.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- It was originally a town for - Canadian Pacific Railway workers.
0:07:05 > 0:07:11- But, for skaters, skiers and - climbers, it's a winter paradise.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- There are all sorts of activities - to be enjoyed here.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- But don't forget your snow shoes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- The area - is famous for its creativity.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- A sculpture festival - is one of many events...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- ..which attracts people to ponder - the beauty that surrounds them.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Some of Canada's most famous - artists and authors...
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- ..have been inspired - by the rugged landscape.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- The Rockies - the rocky mountains.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- The name suggests that they're - tough, unyielding and solid.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- But for people - of the First Nations...
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- ..they think of them - in a totally different way.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- The mountains have been there - for thousands of years.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- They understand things - that we don't.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- We come to the mountains - in search of knowledge...
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- ..to learn from every animal here.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- We aren't the smartest creatures.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- We only play a small part.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- We depend on the mountains - for wisdom and courage.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- The native people believe - that these mountains are alive.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- In the world around them, - nothing is really dead.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- They regularly talk about spirit.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05- The landforms, trees and plants - all have a soul.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- When talking about my family...
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- ..I'm not only talking - about people...
0:09:15 > 0:09:22- ..I'm talking about every spirit - that exists in the mountains.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- For First Nations people...
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- ..the mountains link the past - with the present...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..and create a channel - that rises to their creator.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- One of the elders - of the Blackfoot Confederacy...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- ..is Treffrey Deerfoot.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Through dance, poetry and legends, - he calls on the mountain spirits...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..to share their wisdom - with the modern world.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- I come to the mountain - with our young people...
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- ..or men who are stressed out...
0:10:02 > 0:10:09- ..and here, - they begin to listen to nature.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- The power of the experience - changes many.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- They come down the mountain - with a different outlook on life.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- The mountains speak volumes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32- How important every creature is, - even the grass.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- Living in the middle of nature - is vital to Treffrey's people.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- It's the source of their knowledge.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- People would come to the mountain...
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- ..and the animals - would come towards them...
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- ..and say, - "This is what must be done."
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Then they'd go down - to tell the people...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- .."This is what the spirits - want us to do."
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- The most important animal of all - to the First Nations was the bison.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Before the arrival - of the Europeans...
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- ..huge herds of them - roamed North America.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- It's hard to believe - and even harder to imagine...
0:11:35 > 0:11:41- ..but, at one time, - up to 50 million of them lived here.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- But in the 19th century, - they were mercilessly hunted...
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- ..to make leather from their hides.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Their bones were used as fertilizer - on the land.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Many factors - contributed to their demise.
0:11:59 > 0:12:06- The prairies were cultivated, - cattle replaced the bison...
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- ..the bison were hunted - for their fur and leather...
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- ..and the leather was used to make - large belts to turn the machines...
0:12:16 > 0:12:23- ..in the factories - of the Industrial Revolution.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- But for conservationists' efforts, - the bison would have disappeared.
0:12:30 > 0:12:38- From those millions, less than 1,000 - remained 80 years later. Stupefying.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Today, for the first time - in over a century...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..the bison are on their way back - to the mountains.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- A venture by Parks Canada - is responsible.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- The aim is to release 16 bison...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..in a remote valley - in the Banff National Park.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Restoring the wild bison - - that's the dream for the future.
0:13:03 > 0:13:10- It's important for the ecology - of the Park and to us as humans...
0:13:10 > 0:13:19- ..as recompense for destroying the - bison. It's the right thing to do.
0:13:22 > 0:13:29- It's more than restoring an animal - to the ecosystem.
0:13:29 > 0:13:36- It also treats an old wound, - and heals it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- That healing is about to happen, - in the most dramatic of ways.
0:13:46 > 0:13:46- .
0:13:49 > 0:13:49- Subtitles
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- The ancient beauty of the Rockies - is extraordinary.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- But for people who love - the mountains' history and nature...
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- ..there's something missing.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11- There were millions of bison on - the plains and mountains in Banff...
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- ..just 150-200 years ago.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- They'd all disappeared by 1880.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- But the bisons' spirit - has endured...
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- ..in the customs - of the area's native people.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- The bison roamed the mountains...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..and the elk and the deer - and other creatures.
0:14:42 > 0:14:49- I present to you the Dance of the - Bison given to the people of earth.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- Wow! To see and film the - Dance of the Bison is rare indeed.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It's something - only a few visitors get to do.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- It's not me doing the dance...
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- ..it's the spirit of the bison - that uses my body to tell its story.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- The spirit of the mountains - give stories to the people of earth.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- Stories for us to use - in everyday life.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- The bison used to graze here...
0:15:46 > 0:15:52- ..and sustained the lives - of my forefathers.
0:15:55 > 0:16:01- For First Nations people, - the bison is more than an animal.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- It's an integral part - of their lives.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- "We are the bison - and the bison are us," they say.
0:16:10 > 0:16:19- My father was raised by people - who used to hunt the bison.
0:16:19 > 0:16:27- I'm one generation - from the hunting experience.
0:16:27 > 0:16:34- There were still memories of - the bison - the spirit of the bison.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- That spirit - was like a brother to me.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46- Here, the land, the animals - and people all belong to one family.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Losing part of the world around you - is like losing part of your soul.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- If you took the mountain - away from me...
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- ..you'd take a little of my identity - as one of the Blackfoot.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- If you took the bison - away from me...
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- ..you'd take a big part - of my identity.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Without a doubt, the disappearance - of the bison from the mountains...
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- ..was a big blow - to the First Nations.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27- But some tribes breed a few of them - and keep them as farmed cattle.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- It feels very special - to be this close to the bison.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- They were fundamentally important - to First Nations people...
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- ..in lots of ways.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47- We depended on the bison.
0:17:47 > 0:17:54- The bison were our life.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00- The bison were food for us, - and clothed us too.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- We made bells from their horns.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- The sound of the dance - originates from the horns.
0:18:28 > 0:18:38- The Big Spirit gave us the bison - to help sustain our way of life.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Our lives depended on the bison.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- But the White Man came - and destroyed the bison...
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- ..almost completely.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- Without the bison, life was hard - for Henry's forefathers.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- They had to maintain their - traditions as best they could...
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- ..on the reservations.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- But, Parks Canada - are starting a project...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..of great importance - to First Nations people.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- The bison are on their way back - to the Rockies.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- They've come from another - national park in Alberta.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- They're descendants - of the few wild animals...
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- ..that were rescued - at the turn of the 20th century.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Among them are six pregnant females.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- It's an ambitious project.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- The hope is - the animals will settle...
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- ..and breed successfully - in their new home.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- The dream is - for the bison to return...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- ..to graze and roam the land - once more...
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- ..after a gap of 140 years.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- It's nightfall, and back - in my cosy hotel in Banff...
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- ..I get the opportunity to reflect - upon what's about to happen here.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- Learning about the bison - from the First Nations people...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..was very special.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- I got a glimpse - of their culture and traditions.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- The last two centuries were - the darkest period in their history.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- Their languages and way of life - almost disappeared.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- But now, - the bison is on its way back.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- As a result, it's a new dawn for - the people who suffered the most...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..in the colonization - that came to their lands.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- The name of the scheme - is Bison Belong.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- It's a name - which declares unequivocally...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..that the bison - belongs here historically.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- But the last part of the journey...
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- ..calls for a very modern method - to take them to their new home.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- This is the only way of ensuring - that the bison arrives safely...
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- ..and can settle in a place that's - far away enough from modern life.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- The First Nations have given - their blessing to the arrangements.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- For them, bringing this - iconic animal back to the area...
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- ..is more - than a matter of logistics.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- They consider the bison - a part of the family.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- This land is sacred - for many of the local tribes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- So the elders of the tribes - have been asked to come together...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..to prepare and sign - an agreement supporting the scheme.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- The neighbours in the nearby tribes - hear about this...
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- ..through the Moccasin Telegraph, - as we say.
0:22:28 > 0:22:35- A way of talking to each other - that's better than the Web!
0:22:37 > 0:22:44- In the Agreement, we talk about - the bison as a means...
0:22:44 > 0:22:51- ..to restore and strengthen - our culture once more.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Old tensions disappear and - the scheme pulls people together...
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- ..in a way - that couldn't be imagined before.
0:23:08 > 0:23:15- More than 50 tribes - have signed the Agreement.
0:23:16 > 0:23:23- So our heritage is on its way back.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- And who's inspiring all of this?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- It's the bison - that's bringing us all together!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- A huge boost for the culture - of the native people.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46- But expectations are high that the - natural climate will improve too.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- As they settle, the bison - will create fertile pasture.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- Plants, insects and birds - will follow in their wake...
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- ..and it's highly likely that wolves - and bears will come to hunt them.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- The bison - can restore the entire ecosystem.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- It's no wonder the project's causing - a stir in the conservation world.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- This is a creature that belongs here - - it's its habitat.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- It's fundamentally important - for the First Nations...
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- ..for their culture, their - spiritual life and their identity.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- Forty kilometres - from the nearest track, they land.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- Park officials have set aside - fenced pasture land.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- This will be their home - for the next 18 months.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- After that, they will be free - to roam the Rockies once more.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- At last, the bison has come home.
0:25:29 > 0:25:29- .
0:25:33 > 0:25:33- Subtitles
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:38 > 0:25:43- A century and a half after - disappearing from the mountains...
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- ..the bison are back in the Rockies.
0:25:50 > 0:25:56- Since they last grazed here, man - has left his mark on the landscape.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- The Pan-American Highway...
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- ..prevents all sorts of animals - from roaming freely.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- Creating safe corridors - for the bear, deer and wolf...
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- ..is the aim of another - special project underway here.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- Y2Y - Yellowstone to Yukon.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- An ambitious scheme...
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- ..to recreate paths - without obstacles for wildlife...
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- ..so they can move around easily - once more.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- From Yellowstone in the USA...
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- ..all the way to northern Canada.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- The mountains - between Yellowstone and Yukon...
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- ..are one of the best wild habitats - in the world.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- But, even here, the modern world...
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- ..interrupts the freedom of animals - to roam unobstructed.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- This part of North America - is at the vanguard...
0:26:55 > 0:27:00- ..in ensuring safe paths - from one national park to the next.
0:27:02 > 0:27:10- Famous parks - Yellowstone, Banff, - Waterton Glacier, Nahanni...
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- ..the idea is - to connect the Parks as a network.
0:27:15 > 0:27:21- The idea has caught on - in Parks across the world.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- The biggest problem is obvious.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36- Every day, up to 30,000 vehicles - travel on this road.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43- No-one wants to meet a 300kg moose - coming the other way.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- The purpose of this overpass...
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- ..is to create a safe corridor - for the animals.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- We're not allowed to go any closer.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- But there's one man...
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- ..who can show us how - it helps bears to cross the road.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- Derek Petersen monitors - the bridges and underpasses...
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- ..built for these animals.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18- We might see something.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- Let's see - if we can see anything inside.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- His work has shed new light...
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- ..on how animals - respond to these structures.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- With fierce creatures - like bears and wolves around...
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- ..some smaller animals are reluctant - to use the underpasses.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40- Some favour an overpass.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- It's 60 metres wide on the top so - it's like you're moving through...
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- ..a block of habitat from one side - of the highway to the other.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- It's a very different experience - to moving through an underpass.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57- Cautious animals like deer - favour the bridges...
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- ..while the black bear...
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- ..is happy to walk through - an enclosed path like this.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- There's plenty of evidence - to prove so.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- You can see the difference in size.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14- That's incredible.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- Bear footprints.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Great to see, but I wouldn't - want to meet one here.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- In the early days of the monitoring, - footprints were the only proof...
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- ..that animals exploited the scheme.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- The proof was more visible in winter - with snow on the ground.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47- Now, more sophisticated methods - reveal all throughout the year.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56- The latest camera technology has - substantially added to the research.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- So far, eleven animal species - have been filmed.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- It's possible to see entire families - moving around...
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- ..and to calculate how often - they use the crossing points.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- One grizzly bear crossed the same - stretch 66 times in one summer.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- It's a huge amount of crossings - for one structure for a single bear.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- It shows how much - they are being used.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34- The camera records the exact moment - an animal or person passes.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- That can sometimes cause a fright.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Derek has seen a grizzly bear - and a cougar on the camera...
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- ..with hikers moments behind them...
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- ..totally unaware of - their proximity to a fierce animal.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55- The scheme is a success.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Within the National Park...
0:30:58 > 0:31:04- ..collisions between vehicles - and animals have fallen 80%.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- They've also observed...
0:31:07 > 0:31:13- ..more than 160,000 animals - crossing under or over the highway.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- But, of course, the Rockies - attract other creatures...
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- ..as well as the wild animals - - people.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Woah! This is steep!
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Even for a novice like me...
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- ..a turn on the slopes is an escape - from the pressures of everyday life.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- It's easy to understand why.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- With snow everywhere, - and hardly no-one about...
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- ..the tranquillity is a tonic.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- But I can't stay on the piste.
0:31:57 > 0:31:58- Bye!
0:32:02 > 0:32:08- I'm keen to see another scheme going - on at the bottom of the slopes.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- People come to a place like this...
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- ..to ski and to have a good time - in the mountains.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- But it's easy - to take things for granted.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22- One enterprise, right here...
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- ..is making sure - everyone can enjoy the mountains.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- Overcoming disability...
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- ..is the purpose of - the Rocky Mountain Adaptive charity.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Ready? One, two, lift.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- Today, they're working - with a former sports teacher...
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- ..who was certain - that she could never again...
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- ..enjoy being on the mountains.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- After a road accident...
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- ..Andrea Wojcik thought - that her world had come to an end.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- After a game of ice hockey - with her friends...
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- ..Andrea jumped on her motorbike - to drive home.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- She doesn't remember - any of the journey after that...
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- ..or the moment - when the bike hit a pothole.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- I was going about 80 kilometres - an hour and hit a fence.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- The fence acted like a bungee cord - and the bike flipped over it...
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- ..and I went flying off, - then I woke up eight hours later.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- The first year was...
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- ..I'm sure anybody - who has had a spinal cord injury...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- ..will tell you the first year - is a mess.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- It's like being in a dark pit - and you can't see the light...
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- ..because somebody - has put a blanket over you.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- But after the first year, - you figure, "I can do this.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- "How's it going to go?"
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- With support, effort - and determination...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- ..a number of people like Andrea - are learning to ski again.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- It's an emotional experience - for the instructors too.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- The first time we skied - all the way down...
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- ..both of us were in tears.
0:34:09 > 0:34:16- A feat for anyone - but for her - especially, with her difficulties!
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- The first time - they put me in a bucket...
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- ..and they let me - slide down the hill...
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- ..I was like, "Oh, my God, - this is out of control!"
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- The adrenaline just surged.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Their eyes dazzling.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- Their smiling faces - priceless!
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- The wind on their skin - success!
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- Andrea is a success.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- She keeps herself upright - and experiences freedom.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- I feel the same.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- Free to fly like a bird. - What an experience!
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Society puts - so many limitations on me.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Watch this, sucker!
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- I may not be the fastest skier...
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- ..but you try it, - because I'm ready to rip it!
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- I may not quite be - experienced enough...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- ..to go for it like Andrea.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40- But even for me, there's a thrill - and a freedom here...
0:35:40 > 0:35:45- ..and it's such a lovely feeling to - ski in such a beautiful landscape.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- You can't get the connection - with nature...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- ..sitting in your wheelchair - on an asphalt pathway.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- It's the majesty - of seeing the high rock forms...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- ..that have been there - for thousands of years...
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- ..and knowing - you're one tiny piece of the world.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- Andrea loves being daring once more.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- Get that on camera!
0:36:14 > 0:36:14- .
0:36:17 > 0:36:17- Subtitles
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Banff National Park in Canada - is one of the most popular places...
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- ..to enjoy - the splendid scenery of the Rockies.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- More than three million visitors...
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- ..come to the national park - every year...
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- ..to walk, to see the mountains - and its wildlife.
0:36:44 > 0:36:50- But in the winter, it's adventure - activities which attracts most.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- What's more adventurous - than climbing on the ice?!
0:37:00 > 0:37:02- A huge challenge for me.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Thankfully, two of the best - ice climbers in the world...
0:37:07 > 0:37:08- ..are here to help.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Hi, Sarah. Hi, Will. Good morning.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13- Hi, Sarah. Hi, Will. Good morning.- - Good morning!
0:37:14 > 0:37:14- Where are we going, then?
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Where are we going, then?- - Johnston Canyon.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17- Fantastic. Shall we make our way?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- Fantastic. Shall we make our way?- - Yes, let's do it.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- Two years ago, - Will Gadd and Sarah Hueniken...
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- ..were the first to ascend - the side of the Niagara Falls.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- The waterfall in Johnston Canyon - isn't half as high...
0:37:32 > 0:37:37- ..but we must remember - that there are other dangers here.
0:37:37 > 0:37:43- It's so nice walking in the woods, - but it can be slippery...
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- ..and wild animals - are sometimes about.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- But I have this just in case.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Bear spray, - which is meant to keep them away.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- It's just one item - in the essentials kit.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- But it's the dangers of the climb - that's at the front of my mind.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- This won't be the toughest climb - Sarah has faced...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- ..but ice always poses a challenge.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- It's 15 degrees below freezing...
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- ..and Sarah is going to climb - a 60-metre waterfall...
0:38:17 > 0:38:18- ..that's frozen solid.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- She's experiencing - the thrill of climbing.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- But it's fear that I feel...
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- ..as I see - what I'll have to face soon.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- When I first tried rock climbing, - something stuck in me.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- It was scary and terrifying, - like it is for most people.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- You have to go into the mountains - with a ton of respect...
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- ..because they don't care - what you're doing.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- They're not going - to look after you...
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- ..and you have to trust - your own abilities as a climber.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- It looks high.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17- The biggest gift climbing gives - to me is to be in the present.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- If you're not in the present moment - when you're climbing...
0:39:21 > 0:39:26- ..you shouldn't be doing it, - because there are consequences.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27- Ice!
0:39:30 > 0:39:36- You really have to believe - in your own experience and yourself.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- That's extremely powerful - and extremely rewarding.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Sarah has reached - the top of the waterfall.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- Amazing!
0:39:48 > 0:39:49- Thanks.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- The time has come. It's my turn.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- There's no turning back now.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- I just have to make the best - of this opportunity.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- These must be very tight.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- I haven't worn shoes - like these before.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- I like - to keep my feet on the ground.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- I've never been tempted to climb...
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- ..even though I grew up - in North Wales.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- But Sarah sets me a target.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- Climbing and touching an anchor - above a wall of ice...
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- ..which looks far too high to me.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- I'm going to go for it.
0:40:36 > 0:40:36- There you go.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- There you go.- - Like that?
0:40:38 > 0:40:39- Yes, just like that.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- That's good.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- The ice is so hard in places, - gripping is difficult.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53- A bit more and soon you'll be able - to almost be standing on flat feet.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- In other places, - it's fragile and breaks off.
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- The ice is broken.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00- The ice is broken.- - That's OK.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- Something like ice climbing - is a ton of trust in yourself...
0:41:05 > 0:41:10- ..knowing that you believe - in your own decision-making...
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- ..because it has consequences - if you've made the wrong choice.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- You have to think before every move.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- Up here, every false step is costly.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- Reach nice and high again.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- It's hard to think about the arms - and legs at the same time.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32- I don't want to fall.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38- Yes!
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- One last effort - and it'll all be over, hopefully.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- At last, the anchor is within reach.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- Touch the anchor. - Touch the anchor with your tool.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Yes! You did it. That's it.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- How do I come down?
0:42:09 > 0:42:10- The way down.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12- It feels good!
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- That was incredible.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21- Sarah, come here.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- Thank you.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25- Thank you.- - That was awesome.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27- I can't believe I've done it.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29- I can't believe I've done it.- - Look up at what you just did.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- It doesn't look so high from here, - but when I was up there...
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- ..I felt I was on Ben Nevis - or the summit of Snowdon.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- I really feel - I've achieved something there.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- My journey in the mountains - is coming to an end.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59- Magnificent landscape, ancient - legends, the bison, skiing...
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- ..and the climbing.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- It's so difficult - to weigh it all up.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- It's been a privilege - coming to the Rockies...
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- ..to meet the people - who live here...
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- ..and to learn - how they work with nature...
0:43:15 > 0:43:19- ..to protect wildlife - for the next generation.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28- By building bridges and tunnels for - animals to cross the main roads...
0:43:28 > 0:43:33- ..Banff Park is leading the way - in terms of conservation...
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- ..and it also benefits - the locals too.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- When I'm in the mountain now, - it feels good.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- I feel connected to the landscape.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- I can see the product of my work.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- I know I'm protecting - this landscape for myself...
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- ..for my children - and for future generations.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- Having done - a bit of skiing and climbing...
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- ..I can sense the importance of the - experience for all who live here.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- The mountains are the reason - for me to stay here...
0:44:05 > 0:44:11- ..for the freedom, wind and the - scenery that's different every day.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- The sun, the clouds and the trees...
0:44:16 > 0:44:20- ..everything here gives me a boost.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- But, for me, - the most striking thing...
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- ..after the excitement and movement - have ended...
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- ..is coming to a stop and gazing at - the magnificence of the landscape.
0:44:37 > 0:44:44- Seeing the mountains every day - raises my spirits.
0:44:44 > 0:44:52- It's proof that we've survived - and maintained our culture.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56- The mountains support us.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01- We respect them hugely.
0:45:07 > 0:45:12- To respect the Rockies, - as the native people do here...
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- ..the soul of the place - has to be found.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- They're more than rocks.
0:45:20 > 0:45:26- Everyone feels a spirituality - in the mountains.
0:45:26 > 0:45:32- A very special experience - being - fully awake, alive to the world...
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- ..that's what - the mountains are to me.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- Spending time with those with - their roots deep in the mountains...
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- ..I've started to appreciate - what they mean...
0:45:49 > 0:45:51- ..by the unity of everything.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53- The mountains - are part of the family...
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- ..as one person - is related to another...
0:45:59 > 0:46:04- ..as the birds are related - to each other, and the bison too.
0:46:05 > 0:46:11- We are all related to each other - - that's how we know ourselves.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- I'm going home having been inspired - by an important and clear message.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- A message from one of the chiefs - of the Rockies' native people.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- This is my family's home.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- They lived on the mountain - and drank from the river below.
0:46:36 > 0:46:42- My life comes from the mountains.
0:46:42 > 0:46:50- So go home, please, with the stories - and music of our lands...
0:46:50 > 0:46:54- ..and tell your nation...
0:46:55 > 0:46:59- ..about the life - that exists here in the mountains.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- Having seen the Rockies - and heard its legends...
0:47:06 > 0:47:10- ..it's been an honour - through this film...
0:47:10 > 0:47:15- ..to try to do exactly - what my friend Treffrey wishes.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:47:49 > 0:47:49- .