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Sport Transforms Lives of Indigenous Youth
28 Jan
Summary
- Over 18,500 Indigenous students have benefited from Spirit North's programs since 2017.
- The organization was founded by Olympian Beckie Scott after a pivotal moment in Alberta.
- Spirit North now offers diverse activities including dancing, biking, and Indigenous games.
Since 2017, Spirit North has engaged over 18,500 Indigenous students across Canada, fostering well-being through physical activity. Founded by two-time Olympic medalist Beckie Scott, the non-profit was inspired by a moment of connection with a young boy in Kikino, Alberta, who found joy on skis. Scott, a former cross-country skier, established Spirit North to bring sport access to underserved youth.
In 2024, Spirit North saw a leadership transition with Gary St. Amand taking over as CEO, while Scott moved to a founder role. The organization broadened its scope beyond cross-country skiing to include a wider range of activities. These now encompass mainstream sports like basketball and soccer, alongside mountain biking, Powwow dancing, and traditional Indigenous games such as double ball. Spirit North also organizes food and clothing drives and hosts annual festivals.
The non-profit's growth is evident, extending from British Columbia to Ontario and the Northwest Territories. Alberta alone saw participation rise significantly between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Spirit North emphasizes meeting communities' needs through its core pillars: relationships, inclusion, and Two-Eyed Seeing, an approach combining Indigenous and Western knowledge. Partnerships with organizations like Sun Life and Canadian Tire Jumpstart support these efforts.
