Three Inspiring Women Share Their Stories

Arc’teryx has released its newest women-led climbing film series Pass It On on International Women’s Day. Watch the three short films below.

Created in collaboration with Well Travelled Collection, Pass It On celebrates three Squamish climbers who spread their love of bouldering, trad and sport into the fabric of the broader community.

In this series, we meet Sandy Ward of the Lil’wat Nation, who dedicates time to teaching local indigenous children and adults the climbing skills they need to enjoy the crags. We get silly with route developer of the late 70s and 80s Tami Knight, and go projecting with long-term carer Michelle LeBlanc who takes residents in their 80s on imaginary expeditions and is planning Squamish’s first Pride Bouldering Festival.

Michelle LeBlanc

When Michelle LeBlanc is not projecting a climb or taking her elderly residents on imaginary expeditions, she’s busy organizing for the Squamish Pride Bouldering Festival. As a seasoned west coast climber, Michelle particularly enjoys the sense of adventure and camaraderie that happens while outside.

Sandy Ward

A member of the Lil’wat Nation, Sandy Ward dedicates time to sharing her climbing knowledge with local Indigenous youth. Before becoming a founding member of Indigenous Women Outdoors, she spent most of her life on snow as a competitive halfpipe rider and First Nations Snowboard Team coach.

Tami Knight

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tami Knight grew up chasing after adventure, whether it was competing as an elite gymnast, studying animation in art school, or becoming a climbing legend in Squamish. Today, she’s known as one of the preeminent route developers of the late 70’s and 80’s.