A Fireside Chat with Frances Klatzel and Chic Scott

On November 1st, 2023, Frances Klatzel joined Chic Scott for a Fireside Chat at The Whyte.

Frances Klatzel lives in two worlds. Born and raised in Calgary, she obtained a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Calgary. An active outdoorswoman, she worked for the Canadian Parks Service for seven years.

A trip to Nepal in 1980 changed her life, and she has lived in this country for many years, exploring the diverse cultures. Between 1983 and 1989, she lived in the Khumbu and helped to create a museum of Sherpa culture at the Tengboche Museum. She has helped with several projects in the Khumbu since.

In 1999, she started her own company, Mera Publications, and has produced several books including about Sherpa culture, including “Gaiety of Spirit — The Sherpas of Everest” and “Daring to Dream — Sherpa Women Climbing K2”

Frances has travelled widely in Nepal, working for a variety of development organizations, and has visited 65 of the 76 districts in the country. In 2005 she co-founded CORE International a non-profit registered charity which helps small groups of very poor and disadvantaged people by investing in education, literacy, skills and health.

Frances has returned regularly over the years to the Bow Valley. In the early 90s she helped found BowCORD (Bow Corridor Organization for Responsible Development) whose mission was to protect the Bow Valley from over-development and to save the Wind Valley.

The Whyte is grateful to have collaborated with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival for this exciting Fireside Chat.