Profile: Donna Schley - Kananaskis Country

Originally from the Okanagan Valley in BC, Donna along with her three brothers were always outdoor enthusiasts. She pursued a career in parks after participating in the Canadian youth project Katimavik where she was introduced to the Natural Resource Officer functions in Yellowknife, NWT. After graduating in 1981 with a diploma in Wildland Recreation Management from Selkirk College in BC, she began her career with Alberta Provincial Parks as a seasonal Park Ranger in the Bow District of Kananaskis Country in 1982.

Donna worked seasonally in the Bow District for several summers improving her skills in enforcement, backcountry, resource management and public safety. As a Kananaskis Country officer she wanted to become a trusted member of the public safety program so she actively pursued skills on and off the job that would improve my backcountry skiing, avalanche assessment, search and rescue, climbing and mountaineering ability.

Following her Mom and Dad’s advice Donna worked hard to be an effective Officer unaware that she may have been breaking ground for future permanent female officers in a male dominant career. As part of a mutual training program with Kananaskis Country Public Safety Specialists, Donna became the first female to complete the Calgary Firefighters Aquatics Rescue Specialist training in 1987. In 2003 she was part of a group of Kananaskis Country Officers that received the Alberta Emergency Services Medal in recognition of our work to provide public safety and mountain rescue.

In 1985 she was successful in competing for a winter extension in the Bow District (who knew that all those days on my skis would be instrumental in securing fulltime employment). After working several years as a temporary salary officer she became a permanent officer in 1988. That same year Donna was selected as a member of the team of Park Rangers who would perform helicopter sling rescues during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics at the Nakiska Ski Area, venue for the alpine skiing events.

In 1989 she met her future husband Paul Price who was also pursuing employment in Kananaskis Country. They have shared their lives, passions and dreams ever since. In October 2008 they spent twenty-three days trekking in Nepal; the views of Mt. Everest glowing in the jet stream are something she will never forget!

In 1993 Donna was transferred to Kananaskis District where she took over the responsibility in managing the large complex backcountry area including four backcountry patrol cabins. The opportunity to be a Conservation Officer and help to protect Alberta Parks and the people who recreate in Kananaskis Country has been a source of pride and has helped to define her personally. The Alberta Natural Resource Officers Association helps to form a “family” of support and shared goals with other Conservation Officers throughout the province. Donna is the present K-country rep for ANROA.