As one of the few Indigenous professional skiers, Connor Ryan is caught between his athletic passion and cultural obligation. Being Hunkpapa Lakota, Connor travels deep into Ute territory to navigate the interconnected web of relationships that he must first respect and learn from in order to bring the spirit of the peaks back into balance, guiding him to embrace Indigenous ethics that confront issues facing everyone who loves the mountains.
This film was part of
Fall Series 2021
and is no longer available for viewing.
Proud Hunkpapa Lakota and passionate skier, Connor Ryan was born and raised on the homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute at the foot of the Rocky Mountains who are some of his biggest inspirations and closest relatives. Connor actively seeks to decolonize, reconnect, and learn to better honor all his relations through adventure and activism. As an Indigenous person, Connor views storytelling as a vital part of his heritage. The inclusion and elevation of their voices demonstrates their continued presence and vitality in the face of erasure and genocide. His goal in this film is to highlight Indigenous people and culture as an integral part of the present and future of these mountains, not just the past.
Tim Kressin is passionate about asking hard questions, calling people into adventure, and diving deep into friendships. Throughout his work, Tim looks for ways to connect to the human and universal element that we all desire – to be known and to be loved. He is the co-founder of the Seattle-based production company, Wondercamp, where they share the stories of everyday world changers, status quo shakers, and adventure takers around the world.
