Marni Patterson

Marni Patterson is a freelance travel writer, photographer and videographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a member of TravMedia, IFWTWA, and SATW. Living in Belgium as an exchange student for a year led to Marni’s love of travel. Publications she’s written for include GoNOMAD, TravelAwaits, Matador, Wander With Wonder, Foodie Flashpacker, and Savory Traveler.
Articles by Marni Patterson
One of the best aspects of travel is stumbling on interesting stories. I discovered one highlighting Native American history during a photography tour of Antelope Canyon X with Taadidiin Tours. Antelope Canyon X is one of several slot canyons that inspire millions to visit the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona, each year.
Most of us probably remember from history class that Spanish explorers brought horses to North America in the 14th century. Many people are surprised to learn native horses existed before the Spanish arrived, at least in Canada. Ojibwe Spirit Horses, also known as Lac La Croix Indigenous Ponies, are the only known indigenous horse breed native to Canada. Thousands of them lived in harmony with Indigenous communities in (mainly) Northern and Western Ontario and roamed the forests that surround Lac Le Croix.
Every year, visitors flock to Page, Arizona, near the Utah border to marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of the Arizona slot canyons on the Navajo Reservation. The Southwest is known for these naturally occurring winding canyons, and the ones in Arizona are particularly magnificent.