In the previous year, more than 18,500 students participated in the various programs offered by Spirit North throughout Canada.
This charitable organization aims to empower Indigenous youth through sports, collaborating with local communities and schools to foster healthier lifestyles and enhance the well-being of students by introducing them to new athletic activities.
Founded by Beckie Scott, an Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing who won silver at the Torino 2006 Games 20 years ago, the idea for this non-profit emerged a decade after her competitive career ended.
While acting as an ambassador for a small learn-to-ski initiative and visiting various Indigenous communities in northern Alberta, Scott found her inspiration in Kikino, a Métis community located approximately 185 kilometers northeast of Edmonton.
During her visit, the school principal showed her around and pointed out an empty cardboard box in her office, which caught Scott’s eye. It was the place where a young boy would retreat whenever he felt scared.
Eager for him to join the rest of his classmates, the principal and Scott got him fitted with skis that very afternoon.
After he glided down a hill, he raised his arms in joy and laughed—a moment that the principal noted was the first time she had heard him do so.
“That was the moment [Spirit North began],” Scott reminisced. “How could I go home and think, ‘this isn’t my issue?’
“The vision to provide sports to children who lacked access started on that day.”
Leadership transition and growth
In 2024, Spirit North will see a shift in leadership, as Scott will step down from her position as CEO to become the founder, with Gary St. Amand taking over the role.
The organization will also broaden its focus beyond cross-country skiing to introduce a greater variety of sports to Indigenous youth.
In addition to popular sports like basketball and soccer, Spirit North’s offerings now encompass a diverse range of activities, including mountain biking and traditional Indigenous games such as double ball.
Apart from sports, the organization has hosted food and clothing drives, as well as gatherings for Elders, in collaboration with local communities. Spirit North also organizes annual festivals across the nation.
From British Columbia to Ontario and the Northwest Territories, the non-profit has experienced significant growth. In Alberta, for instance, the number of students participating in Spirit North increased from 4,451 to 7,326 between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
“Our goal has always been to engage with communities on their terms and provide services that they find valuable and necessary,” Scott shared with CBC Sports.
When the non-profit assessed its programs for its impact report covering the last academic year, it identified three key pillars: relationships, inclusion, and Two-Eyed Seeing.
Two-Eyed Seeing, a term introduced by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall in 2004, refers to the practice of “learning to see from one perspective with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and approaches, and from another perspective with the strengths of Western knowledge and methods, and using both perspectives together for the benefit of all.”
For Spirit North, partnerships with organizations such as Sun Life and Canadian Tire Jumpstart, along with numerous donors, enable it to continue its mission of supporting communities and expanding activities for their youth.
However, the success of Spirit North programs heavily relies on local leaders and educators, who play a crucial role in encouraging participation and outdoor learning experiences.
Engagement in the Mînî Thnî community
In Mînî Thnî, a Stoney Nakoda First Nations community located in south-central Alberta between Canmore and Calgary, residents have witnessed the positive influence of Spirit North on local youth.
“There used to be very few kids attending school. Participation was low,” stated Rashaun Powderface.
“But since Spirit North got involved, now all the kids want to participate.”
Powderface, who began skiing with Spirit North in sixth grade, was among the first members of the organization’s ski team. Three years ago, he took on the role of youth leader, instructing children aged 13 to 16 in cross-country skiing as part of an after-school program.
Stktkcxwiłp, an 11-year-old athlete who also learned to cross-country ski through Spirit North, has participated in competitions alongside her peers over the past few years, including the Alberta Cup. In February, she plans to compete in the Alberta Winter Games in biathlon.
With a prepared message for CBC Sports, she shared her experiences with the organization:
“My initial skiing experience was in grade one at a ski family event organized by Spirit North. I remember my înâ [mom] saying she tried skiing once, but we could all learn together,” her note stated.
“Cross-country skiing acts as my remedy and my medicine. Being outdoors in this way brings me a sense of strength, quality, and authenticity.”
Her mother, Ptâyedu Wiya, also experienced Spirit North for the first time at a family event and now serves as a community program leader. Hailing from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, she reflected on her journey with the organization.
“I feel like we are the first generation to disrupt cycles, and together with our children’s generation, we are healing through Spirit North,” she expressed. “That is what motivates me—to see them heal in ways they might not even realize.
“Observing our children ski together, seeing Îyethka kids laughing, learning, and gaining confidence on the land,” she later added.
“Moments like these reaffirm the importance of this work.”