How Keith Diakiw followed a wandering path to his dreams.
BY GABRIEL GAUTHIER
From exploring on camping trips to finding unexpected treasures on the sidewalk, rocks of different shapes, colours, and textures often captivate the minds of curious children. Some follow this wonder into adulthood, pursuing their passion more seriously.
Métis entrepreneur, Keith Diakiw is one of those people. “Growing up, I used to go on full-day weekend rock collecting excursions around my hometown of Hinton with my yellow and black BMX bike, along with my backpack and my dad’s bricklaying hammer while exploring all the different outcrops, gravel pits, and creek beds by myself,” Keith recalls fondly.
In grade six, when a friend talked about attending university, Keith realized his fascination with rocks could be a career. He could be a geologist.
“From that point on, I took my academics seriously and started working harder in school to bring my marks up to eventually compete against the smartest students in the class to earn the marks to be accepted into university,” he explains.
Keith finished his education with degrees in Physical Geography, Anthropology, and Geology from the University of Alberta. Between degrees, he also joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 2001. In 2007, he became a qualified firefighter, later becoming part of a nine-member rescue team in 2012. He participated in firefighting efforts in both the 2011 Slave Lake and 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. Like many people he knew, Keith also worked for several years in the oil & gas industry. When that came to an end, he knew it was time to start Talking Rock Tours (TRT).
“It has been something gnawing at the back of my mind since my University of Alberta days. When I was suddenly let go from working in the oil sands during the last downturn with over a decade of loyal service, it was then, I made the decision to go for it,” Keith explains.
TRT offers five different Alberta-based tours. These experiences range in difficulty, from lengthy hikes to wandering walks with activities varying from fossil collecting to canoeing. Keith crafts his offerings so there is a tour for everyone and continues to plan new and exciting tour options for the 2019 season.
Growing up, I used to go on full-day weekend rock collecting excursions around my hometown of Hinton with my yellow and black BMX bike
The TRT business plan was conceived in 2017 at a microbusiness training camp. After building everything in 2018, from the logo to the website, Keith is now ready to start operations in the 2019 tourist season.
“Our ‘Geo-Explorers’ will find themselves inspired on many levels once they fully appreciate what they are about to see and experience because every rock and stone has a story to tell,” he says.
But what makes TRT special isn’t just the tours. It focuses on the voices and stories of Canada’s Indigenous people. Keith incorporates Indigenous stories during his tours so he can talk about not only the geologic history but also the Indigenous history.
As a Métis, Keith takes great pride in his Indigenous culture.
For a while, this identity was an abstract concept to him. He knew he was distantly related to a historical figure, but he didn’t realize it was Gabriel Dumont until he started the process of applying for Métis Nation of Alberta citizenship. After Keith learned of his family connections to the Métis Nation, he knew he had to do something to support his community. Creating Indigenous tourism opportunities is just one of the ways he contributes; He sees Indigenous tourism as vital for many reasons.
“Historically, it is another venue to set the record straight and teach others the history of our land that is missing from our mainstream education thus far. Personally, it gives Indigenous people, like me, a chance to learn more about our culture and history, as well as a strong sense of pride to then, share it with the world about who we are. Publicly, it provides a new genre of important tours for those interested in authentic and cultural experiences,” Keith explains.
While Keith shares unique experiences with TRT, the challenges have been numerous. Like many startup companies, fi nding the money to support the business has been hard. Several tours Keith plans to off er require a reliable tour van, meaning expensive upkeep. Despite these challenges, he continues to push forward towards his dream.
It is another venue to set the record straight and teach others the history of our land…
Keith encourages Indigenous people wanting to share their stories, to contact him so, together, they can fi nd the best way to share the Indigenous history of the land.
Come the 2019 tourism season, Keith will be ready to share his passion for geology and Indigenous history with you on one of his many TRT tours.
“I am really excited and a bit scared in chasing my dream of promoting the earth sciences and local Indigenous history of our land.”
To learn more about Talking Rock Tours and their 2019 season offerings, visit talkingrocktours.com, or contact Keith at 780-298-7992 or info@talkingrocktours.com