Friends of the Whyte: Meet Summer Interpreter Oksana Briukhovetska
- whytemuseum
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Friends of the Whyte is a series celebrating community, featuring Whyte Museum members, donors, staff, and friends, to get to know them a little bit better.
We're midway through our summer season here at The Whyte, with the interpreter team sharing the history of the area, engaging with visitors, and sharing what The Whyte has to offer.
Let's get to know Oksana Briukhovetska! In this Q&A, we learn more about her experience as an Interpreter.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself! What brought you to the Whyte Museum interpreter team?
Travel has always been a big part of my life. I’ve travelled solo, studied in France, worked in Austria, and visited dozens of castles and museums. When I made my way to Canada, I moved straight into the heart of the Rockies – the Columbia Icefield – and spent my first Canadian summer there.
I’ve always been passionate about history, and some years ago I developed a love for the mountains. Everything came together perfectly when I applied for the position at the Whyte Museum – combining my passion for mountains, history, and connecting with people.
2. What has been your favourite moment or highlight of the summer so far?
When you visit our museum, you’ll notice a photo from the day Catharine broke ground for the Whyte. There are a few kids in it — and funnily enough, I got to guide one of them through our historic homes this season!
Guiding someone who had actually been part of that moment made the experience feel truly special. It brought the history to life for me in a way I hadn’t expected.
We chatted about Banff and the surrounding area, the people who built their businesses here, and how this small town has grown and changed over the years.
In Banff, you can really walk in the footsteps of the town’s beginnings and feel its roots all around you.
3. Are there any conversations with guests that have been memorable?
One of my favourite moments was with a couple I met on their first day in the Rockies. They asked me what they should see, so I shared some of my favourite places around Banff and along the Icefield Parkway all the way to Jasper – where to go to avoid crowds and where to hike for the best view. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but a week later, on their last day, they came back to Banff, joined another tour of mine, and told me they’d followed all my suggestions. They were so thankful! I was so happy I helped them to have an amazing trip.
4. What have you enjoyed most about working at The Whyte?
The best part of working at The Whyte is the people – both the team I work with and the visitors I meet every day. We have such a supportive team here, we’re always sharing stories, interesting facts from books, or things we‘ve found in the archives. Even on the busiest day, it’s a place that feels fun to work.
What I enjoy most about guiding here is connecting people to the history of the Rockies – helping them see the area in a new way.
If you’re looking to spend 30 minutes with some of the friendliest and most passionate guides (and maybe get few good local recommendations along the way), I’d definitely say: join one of the tours at The Whyte!
Working with Joseph Sanchez on the Art Gallery tour has also been a great experience! He is a very kind and positive person, and it’s always easy to talk to him or ask for advice.
He’s very knowledgeable, and it’s fun listening to his stories – they also add a lot to the tours!
It’s clear he is passionate about what he does, and that makes working with him fulfilling.
Want to learn more about Canadian Rockies history? Discover our private and public tours at the Whyte Museum this summer.
Historic Homes Tour - a 25-minute guided tour of the historic homes of museum founders Peter and Catharine Whyte and notable locals Philip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore.
Hertage Gallery Tour - a 25-minute guided museum tour. Learn how the mountains were opened up to all through stories of some of those drawn to these peaks.
Historic Banff Walking Tour - get off the beaten path with a 60-minute guided tour through the Banff townsite, learning about the men and women who helped build and shape the town.
The Ancestors Are Talking Summer Exhibition Tour - learn more about our summer exhibition at this guided gallery tour in the Whyte Museum.
Check out our tours page for the most up-to-date information!