Celebrating World Water Day 2025 | Manitobah x BRK

An Interview With Bobbi Rose Koe

Photographer: Ami Vitale for National Geographic

For World Water Day (March 22), we're proud to feature Bobbi Rose Koe, a river guide, mentor, natural resource protector and artist based in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Becoming a river guide requires both skill and deep respect for the water. What has been the most rewarding challenge in your journey as a guide?

"When I first started paddling white water, I was really nervous and worried, mostly because I know the power it has, and what it can do. However, over the years, I learned more about how it moves, where it can take you, and the love and respect I have for it. Being able to share the knowledge and teachings with others around water, and watching them teach others makes me really proud, and honoured to have that relationship and understanding with water."

You've dedicated yourself to helping Indigenous youth reconnect with the land and water. What is one of the most meaningful experiences you've had while guiding youth on trips?

"I've done many youth river trips, and had really good and meaningful experiences, however watching and mentoring the Youth who took the Indigenous Youth River Guide Training Program has been amazing. It reminds me of the time when my Jijii (grandfather) told me he was getting me ready, and back then, I didn't understand what he meant, until I saw the youth we trained out on the land, on the water, back in their communities and life."

"One of the most meaningful experiences I've had while guiding youth on trips is seeing them continuing guiding, applying to University, connecting to their land and culture while keeping in contact and supporting each other on the way."

River guide, mentor, natural resource protector and artist Bobbi Rose Koe

What are some of the lessons the waters have shared with you throughout your journey? Can you describe what it feels like to move through those waters, knowing the generations who have traveled them before you?

"Some of the lessons water has taught me throughout my journey are:

I'll be okay in whatever I go through.
Change is going to happen whether we like it or not, it's how we move with it.
When I believe in myself and make good decisions, the water will take me where I need to go.
My ancestors and elders are always with me, especially when I share our stories.

Being able to go back home, to travel on the land and waters where my grandparents, elders and friends grew up, is an overwhelming feeling of love, and waves of excitement. I often remember the stories they shared with me, and the way they looked when sharing them. The land is definitely the reflection of the love and beauty of who they were or are. I always feel loved, honoured, and at home."

What dreams do you have for the next generation of Indigenous guides and water/land protectors?

"My hope and dreams for the next generation of Indigenous Guides, and water/land protectors are that they have a place to call home where clean water flows and you can still drink it, where they can see or harvest caribou, fish, birds, and everything else in between, they still be able to continue to share our knowledge, and skills out on the land or water, and share our stories around the fire, or places their grandparents grew up. I really hope in the future, we won't need land and water protectors, because I hope we can just be us and live the life we should be, like our ancestors."

For young people who want to learn more about trip guiding, beadwork, or reconnecting with the land, where do you recommend they start?

"I would start by asking them who’s an elder or mentor they look up to? Go visit them. Growing up, that was my favourite thing to do, visit elders or mentors I looked up to, and as we both got older, they started wanting to visit with me, and share as much as they can. They knew I was interested in learning, and listening, so they really invested in me. All these visits and stories really helped pave the way of where I am and where I'm going. I consider myself so lucky and the richest person because of that."

Your beadwork is a beautiful expression of culture and tradition. What stories do you weave into your work, and how does beading connect you to the land and your ancestors?

"Being able to visit, paddle and travel many different places throughout the North and at home, I am always inspired by the beauty of everything around us. I often catch myself taking pictures and being inspired. During the off season, when I put my paddle away, and when I'm missing the water and land, I pick up my sewing and reflect back on our adventures and stories of the places I miss and think about."

To learn more about Bobby Rose Koe and her artwork, visit below:

Looks like you’re in the US?