"The government always gave me a bad reputation. I don't know why, possibly it was because I was the best poacher in Banff National Park. But whenever the government wanted something important done outdoors, it was me they picked on to do it."
Jimmy Simpson, at the Ram Pasture, 1971
YESTERDAY
TODAY
TOMORROW
.jpg)
Jimmy Simpson, 1877- 1972
Sixty years of guiding in the Rocky Mountains have taught Jimmy Simpson that it takes more than a love of the outdoors to conquer the rugged, unfriendly grandeur of Rocky Mountains forbidding peaks. Learning from one of the the Jimmie Simpson life in the mountains... "a man needs a strong constitution with plenty of reserves, more than the share of intestinal fortitude, an oversized sense of humor, and a keen set of instinctive reactions".
1898 | Jimmy Simpson hired by Outfitter and Guide, Tom Wilson, and put in charge to clear trails for horses from Lake Louise in North direction toward the Kootenay Plains. He arrives at Bow Lake and sees the lake for the first time “the most beautiful thing I’d seen in Canada”. After leaving the lake he makes the statement ‘I'll build a shack here sometime”.
1919 | Jimmy Simpson entered into discussions with J.B. Harkin of the National Parks Branch for purposes of taking out a lease in the vicinity of one of his favorite camping sites on Bow Lake.
1920 | Jimmy Simpson submits a plan to the park administration for a lodge building at Bow Lake.
1925 | Residence, 3 log and frame cabins, laundry, lighting plant and an ice house structure has been erected to the satisfaction of the park authorities. A lease agreement was executed for the property. The mountain chalet is named Num-Ti-Jah Lodge which translates to a Stoney Plain First Nation word that means "pine marten" a shy weasel-like mammal found in the forested areas of Banff National Park, which includes the Bow Lake area.
1939 | Jimmy Simpson began construction on the main lodge.
1942 | Inspection by park authority confirms the lodge contained: 6 bedrooms which slept a total of 14 people, a kitchen, a dining room, a sitting room and office, 4 cabins which slept a total of 10 people and a laundry building which included toilets basins and showers.
1945 | Plumbing fixtures are installed in both the lodge and in the laundry building.
1950 | Jimmy Simpson finished construction of 59'x66' addition to the lodge.
1952 | Jimmy Simpson on August 18, incorporated Num-Ti-Jah Lodge Ltd. under Companies Act of Alberta. To that point his business at the Bow Lake was operated in the old-fashioned way, where the man’s word and handshake was all that was needed to run his lodge.
1953 | Jimmy Simpson is renting 6 rooms in the older part of the lodge, 6 rooms in the west part of the new lodge and 4 rooms in the east side of the lodge, as well as renting 3 cabins to the public.
1954 | Jimmy Simpson using logs from torn down Mountainholm Lodge in Banff, built a two-story staff quarter building.
1955 | Jimmy Simpson accepts offer for a new license of occupation including additional area of 1.12 acres to incorporate the water supply and corral area.
1957 | Departure of Jimmy Simpson’s daughter Mary Simpson from Bow Lake and decision is made by Jimmy Simpson to hand over his business at Bow Lake to his son Jimmy Jr.
1958 | Jimmy Simpson and his wife Billie are moving back to the “shack” he built in 1920. He starts call the log cabin The Ram Pasture…the place where the old bighorns go to hang out.
1962 | Jimmy Simpson Jr. starts offering a winter accommodation at the lodge.
1964 | Jimmy Simpson Jr. applies to park authority for permit to build and operate a seasonal ski lift at Peyto Lake and received government consent. Soon Park authorities changing their mind once the family is making a substantial investment. Snowmobiling is suggested by the government that become the flagship of family business for the next 20 years.
1967 | Jimmy Simpson is contacted by Parks Canada authority and offers to sell all of his assets on the Bow Lake site to the Crown for $300,000. The offer was $75,600 to purchase the asset. Simpson's did not accept the offer. In 1969 the government upped the offer to $83,000 - and five-year concession agreement to run the lodge. Simpson's decided not to accept the offer.
1968 | Billie, Jimmy Simpson wife dies on September 2 in Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. As per wish she was cremated. Jimmy Simpson took her ashes back to Bow Lake and kept at the Ram Pasture over the winter until he could spread them in the spring in the secret, beautiful spot “where she said would like to stay”
1971 | Catherine White is asking Jimmy Simpson to agree for interview in front of camera. This was the last Jimmy Simpson interview and appeared under the title “Jimmy Simpson, Mountain Man”. Unfortunately, Jimmy Simpson never lived to see it.
1972 | October 30, Jimmy Simpson is dying quietly in Banff Mineral Springs Hospital and as he wishes, he was cremated and his ashes were spread later in the secret spot at Bow Lake. Among the tributes flowed to Jimmy Jr. and his sister Mary, Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, wrote in his telegram “Jim Simpson was one of the great figures in the Rocky Mountain area and this country. His adventures and accomplishments as an explorer, trail blazer, botanist and guide will long be remembered by Canadians”
1974 | The Government holding a ceremony at Bow Lake and his daughter Mary unveiled a plaque that officially named a 9,700-foot peak seen from Num-Ti-Jah lodge as Mount Jimmy Simpson to “pay tribute to this great individual whose life has portrayed the spirit of the Canadian Rockies”
1999 | The advisory group to the Premier of Alberta, assign #52 to Jimmy Simpson as Alberta's Heroic 100 for the period 1905 - 2000
Currently researching the lease history of the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge as the ownership changed and the lodge was sold by the Simpson family. In 2022 some of the documents in regards lease of the land at Bow Lake to Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, were moved by the Government Civil servants in Ottawa, to the Library Archives of Canada and some documents have been assigned a special status to protect "Canada's security or economy, federal-provincial relations and international affairs". Accessing these documents requires submitting requests either through the Court system or through Freedom of Information Act. I am hoping to have the list of documents of interest, ready by Summer 2025, to make a decision which path to follow to access these documents.
2021 | The Num-Ti-Jah historical name is removed and replaced with the name The Lodge at Bow Lake by the new group of owners. According to article by Michele Jarvie, published in Calgary Herald on September 07, 2023, the new owners group and the Historic lodge honours the past while forging a new path to the future
2024 | Parks Canada has issued a notice of determination and decided that Lodge at Bow Lake Redevelopment Master Plan is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
2024 | According to article by Cathy Ellis published in Rocky Mountain Outlook on Jul 02, 2024
the new lodge owners group will continue executing their plans on the lease location at Bow Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2025 | The Ram Pasture, a 100 years old historical log cabin built by Jimmy Simpson, continues to deteriorate.
January 01, 2025 The Ram Pasture project begin.
A note on sources
open call for art submission
Art was chosen as a tool to pay tribute and raise awareness about the Jimmy Simpson legacy and "The Ram Pasture", a historical log cabin, located at Bow Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trees, Wildflowers, Mammals, Carnivores and Birds as a Art and the Theme Cultural Significance, will serve as a symbolic representation of the legacy of Jimmy Simpson and his deep connection to fauna and flora in Banff National Park. This project is an opportunity for the artists to challenge their mind and put their thoughts on the canvas in a way that can challenge the viewer's minds and help to interact with the art produced for the purpose of this project. Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours is inviting artists to support, The Ram Pasture project as a part of Nominate, preserve, Protect, Save - Because Heritage Matters Awareness Campaign.
ELIGIBILITY
THE RAM PASTURE project is open to everyone internationally. No age limit. The only limitation is that entries must represent original works which address the theme Cultural Significance. Open to all traditional and non-traditional genres and media.
HONORARIA
Each artist participating in exhibition will receive a private 2 days tour valid for 3 people, to Canadian Rockies and Kootenay Plains as a honorarium (worth of $1000 Canadian Dollar). The honorarium has no strings attached (other than full participation in the relevant exhibit).
JURY & CURATOR
Submitted art will be juried by an anonymous several member panel of professional and academic advisors with a broad range of expertise relative to art. The jury will then pass along their recommendations to Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours that will be the exhibit curator who will make the final selections from the jury-approved pool.
PUBLICATION
As a commitment to long-term documentation and dissemination of The Ram Pasture projects, Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours will produce a web page that will be documenting each entire season of exhibits, artists, and works shown and the expansion of physical exhibits into a broader geography and time frame, while also bringing all exhibits together under one cover each year to create a better product which will be more valuable to the public, teachers, libraries, and exhibiting artists.
ENTRY FEE
Free
APPLY ONLINE
Artists retain all copyrights to submitted images and represented artwork. By entering the project, artists grant Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours the rights to use the image(s) on printed materials, web site and social media platforms for promotional purposes only.
SALES
Artworks are not required to be for sale in order to be included in the exhibitions. All work and limited edition of prints, unless indicated as not for sale (NFS), will be available for sale during the exhibit. A commission of 30% of the sale price on artwork and 50% on sale price on the limited edition of prints, sold during the exhibition and Online Gallery will support Campaign.
submission deadline:
Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 12.00pm
The Ram Pasture...
the place where the old bighorns go to hang out.
Artists must sign up to this project.
Wildflowers
In spring, summer and fall, the wildflowers become one of the greatest attractions and they belong to the Canadian Rockies heritage. By law they must never be picked or dug up as these must be preserved for future generations. Wildflowers symbolize the unity, the power of nature, and are a metaphor for existence. They can also be used to celebrate those we have lost.
Lady's slipper, wood lily, elephant's head, blue flax, paintbrush, sweetvetch, columbine, potentilla, buffalo bean and Labrador the, these are the wildflowers that grow in the Bow Pass and Lake area that belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site. These wildflowers can be seen from late March to mid-September, but the peak flowering season is mid-July to mid-August.
Lady's Slipper
Symbolism: Lady's Slipper stands for 'capricious beauty' – sudden and unpredictable attraction. The various colours that the flowers have offer different meanings; pink is love and grace, yellow is friendship and new beginnings, and white is purity.
Wood Lily
Symbolism: Wood Lily is often associated with purity, passion, and renewal. Its bright, striking petals signify a fresh start and radiant energy. Because of its hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, it is also seen as a symbol of resilience and determination.
The Elephant's Head
Symbolism: The elephant's head flower, also known as Pedicularis groenlandica, symbolizes the balance between strength and beauty.
Blue Flax
Symbolism: Blue Flax symbolizes the uncomplicated, yet joyful aspects of life and is associated with calmness and celebration, the serene moments and the uncomplicated joys of existence. Their resilient nature has also made this flavor a symbol of endurance and strength.
Indian Paintbrush
Symbolism: This vibrant wildflower symbolizes love, transformation, and spiritual connection to the earth.
Boreal sweet-vetch
Symbolism: It has been reported to colonize disturbed sites in the mountains and foothills. The flower's resilient nature symbolizes hope and renewal.
Potentilla
Symbolism: Potentilla is widely known as Cinquefoil. It symbolizes strength, power, honor and loyalty. It is also a symbol of womanhood and maternal love.
Columbine flower
Symbolism: Columbine flower inspire to reach for lofty heights. These include: aspiration, endurance, risk-taking, good fortune, faith and peace.
Buffalo Beans
Symbolism: The Blackfoot called this plant Wudzi-eh-kay or buffalo flower. The arrival of its blossoms was a sign the buffalo bulls were in prime condition to hunt. Buffalo Beans are a sign of abundance marking the time to hunt for Indigenous peoples.
Labrador Tea
Symbolism: Labrador Tea symbolizes well-being and self-sufficiency. It has long been associated with rebellion in North America.
mammals
Many small mammals, carnivores and birds in the Canadian Rockies have cultural significance. They live in the Rockies all year round, between weather and hibernation. For the First Nation, art celebrates connection to the land. The other art contemporary works is offering a window into the beliefs, values and experiences of a community.
Small mammals such: Columbian Ground Squirrel, Marmot, Beaver and Pika and carnivores such: Wolverine, Pine Marten, Grizzly and Black Bear.Birds like: Clark's Nutcracker, Raven, Bald Eagle and Swan could be seen Bow Pass and Bow Lake area that belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are certain seasons when the wildlife is easier to spot. Spring, autumn, and winter are often the best times of the year for this.
Columbian Ground Squirrel
Symbolism: Symbolizing the importance of cooperation and communication.
Marmots
Symbolism: Marmots are often seen as symbols of grounding, protection, and family. They represent the wisdom of the earth and the importance of balance in one's life.
Beaver
Symbolism: Beaver is a builder of the mind, body, and soul and symbolizes creativity, creation, cooperation, persistence and harmony.
Pika
Symbolism: Pika imparts a message of calmness, peace, and creativity. It suggests avoiding conflicts and arguments and having an eye for detail in everything you do.
Wolverine
Symbolism: Wolverine reminds you to stay courageous. This spirit animal urges you to show fearlessness in the face of adversity. In life, challenges are bound to arise, but how you respond to them is what matters.
Pine Marten
Symbolism: Pine Marten is often portrayed as: Lucky spirit, Brave heroes, Skilled hunter, and Determined
Grizzly Bear
Symbolism: Grizzly Bear symbolizes the feeling of annoyance, a milder form of agitation that arises when small boundaries are repeatedly tested or minor frustrations build up.
Black Bear
Symbolism: Black Bear represents strength, family, vitality, courage and health. The bear is thoughtful and independent, with little need for fellowship.
birds
The Canadian Rockies offers sanctuary for many birds. Birds have been used as symbols of freedom, hope, spirit, transition, and new opportunities
Birds like: Clark's Nutcracker, Raven, Bald Eagle, Trumpeter Swan, White-tailed Ptarmigan and Swallow could be seen in the Bow Pass and Bow Lake area that belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some birds are easy to spot and some are elusive. A few species are present throughout the year; some only in summer; others are transient visitors in spring and autumn.
Clark's Nutcracker
Symbolism: Clark's Nutcracker symbolizes the importance of mutualism, a biological interaction where two species benefit from each other.
Bald Eagle
Symbolism: Bold Eagle symbolizes the strength, freedom, power, and spiritual connection. According to Native American beliefs, bald eagles are not only considered sacred, but they're believed to act as messengers between humans and the Creator.
Raven
Symbolism: Raven because of its black plumage, croaking call, and diet of carrion, the raven is often associated with loss and ill omen.
For some it symbolizes creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige as well as the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth.
Trumpeter Swan
Symbolism: Trumpeter Swan symbolizes hope, conservation, and the power of international cooperation. It is also a symbol of the power of conservation efforts.
Swallow
Symbolism: In spiritual terms represent Fertility, the rays of sunshine, protection of the home, a conflict that is soon to be resolved, and a peaceful and happy lifestyle.
White-Tailed Ptarmigan
Symbolism: White-Tailed Ptarmigan symbolize the spiritual world and life after death. Are believed to guide the souls of the deceased to the spiritual world, where they are welcomed by their ancestors.
trees
Trees have been important in human culture for a long time and can be seen as protectors that provide food, water, and shelter from the elements. First Nation peoples are being seen as ancestors and protectors, believing that humans and trees share a common ancestry. They often serve as gathering points, Ancient or heritage trees might symbolize wisdom, longevity and a connection to the past, emphasizing the importance of preserving history.
In Bow Pass and Bow Lake area, the Whitebark Pines and Engelmann trees play a key role in this alpine landscape to help stabilize steep slopes, influence the amount of snow melt by sustaining snow drifts and providing critical food, cover and shelter for wildlife. Trees are very important for Beavers population at Bow Lake.
Engelmann Spruce Tree
Symbolism: The spirit of spruce reminds us to tap into our inner resources to complete a task we have been working on. Life may be challenging us and causing us to doubt ourselves. Spruce reminds us of our inner resilience and to not give up now.
Whitebark Pine Tree
Symbolism: Whitebark pine trees can symbolize the ability to survive in difficult conditions, and the connection between people and the wild. They can also represent the adversity that people face in life.
THE RAM PASTURE, 100 years old log cabin AS OF JANUARY 01, 2025
