When Shayla Wallace posted this photo to the Mt Currie Photography facebook page, I felt my usual flash of awe for people who are amazing at photography, and then looked a little closer. “What, did you sit in the creek to get that shot?” “Actually, yes. It was freezing.” That level of dedication in a creative pursuit? I knew I had the right girl lined up to take over our Instagram account! Here’s her recap, and a small selection of the images she shared. To see the entire takeover, take a peek at http://www.instagram.com/thewellnessalmanac

When I was a little girl I was quite the little adventurer, my grandparents and my dad would take me up the mountains and creeks in the Lil’wat territory, we would leave after breakfast and wouldn’t return home until dinner. They would teach me all of the different plants and trees names. We would even harvest different types of berries and nuts, my favorite part was when we would return home with our findings my Grandma would make jam out of them and we would feast. I’m so grateful to live in this gorgeous territory and there’s lots of places I haven’t explored yet. My names Shayla, and I’ll be doing this week’s takeover. I hope you all enjoy my photographs and join me on my adventures through out the week 🙂 #shaylasfootsteps #takeover #exploring #Lilwat #MountCurrie

Only from the heart can you touch the sky. -Rumi #shaylasfootsteps #quote #sleepingchief #mountainview #pinetree #BC #MountCurrie #bantermountain #bluebirdskies #sunrays

While I was doing the Wellness Almanac instagrams take over (April 24th – May 1st) I couldn’t help but feel amazed by how many people I’ve reached. There has always been a deep love in my heart for the Lil’wat Territory and was excited to share it with all of you. I spend most of my days at work (The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center) but afterwards and during my weekends I get to go out and explore my hometown. My favorite place to hike is the creek, the sounds of glacier water running, the views it holds, even the smell of the tall cedar trees and wild flowers are heavenly. The quotes I shared were more directed to how I was feeling that day, they made me feel better so hopefully they affected you the same way. It feels as if my week was over way too soon and I didn’t get to share as much of the Lil’wat territory as I wanted too but it will be an experience I will never forget.
Until next time,
Shayla Wallace

Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do. -Rumi

Don’t stop because you’re tired, keep going because you’re almost there. -Ritu Ghatourey

Unfortunately this will be my last post for this week’s takeover, I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing this experience was and how grateful I am to have been chosen to for it. I’d like to thank you all for joining me on my adventures through out the Lil’wat Territory this past week, I definitely enjoyed sharing where I come from and a little bit of my background. Hopefully I inspired a few of you to go out and explore your home town. In this photo I’m wearing a Bear Mask made by Emil Thilbert from the Soulteaux Nation. I look to the Bear because he taught me about family and strength. The bear is also a part of my spirit as well as my family Clan. #shaylasfootsteps #takeover #bearclan #family #strength #bearmask #lilwat #adventures #slcc #whistler #firstnations #art #emilthilbert #nativeart #nativenorthwest #spiritanimal #MountCurrie #exploring #BC #farewell #neverstopexploring