For much of my life I had only ever known the ability of sport to transform one life - my own.

Hailing from a small-town in East-Central Alberta, I challenged existing belief systems about what was possible for Canadians on the international stage and turned a fledgling career into Canada’s first Olympic gold in the sport of cross-country skiing. Through all the obstacles and disappointments of my early start, I managed a full transformation, climbed to the top of the Olympic podium and lived out my dreams and goals.

Throughout my childhood, sport was an open door to connecting with community, finding new strengths and developing confidence. I wasn’t a natural athlete, but I loved sport because it created paths and connections to growth and opportunities that I hadn’t known were there before.

On retiring from the life of a racing nomad, I was awakened to the reality that these same paths to growth and potential weren’t available to all youth in Canada, and that sport was viewed through the lens of inequality and disparity of opportunity for many.

And that is where Spirit North began.

At its heart, Spirit North is about connections. Connecting Indigenous children and youth to sport, to play and to the land. To opportunity, strengths, potential - and - to the fundamental joy of movement.

Many of the students in our programs live challenging lives and tell heart-breaking stories. We know that if there’s one solution we can offer, it is the opportunity to connect to something positive. A connection to what might be possible – and what lies within. Through these connections we witness the magic of empowering children to learn, grow, thrive and eventually contribute to the health, strength and vibrancy of their communities.

The principles upon which Spirit North was founded have never changed. We began this program with the belief that sport can change lives, transform communities, inspire individuals, heal and teach. And – that this is an opportunity that should be available to all.

Along the way and with every experience; nearly every time we step into a gymnasium or schoolyard, we are inspired and we are assured that this belief is one that will shine bright for a very long time.

Thank you for your support and for sharing our vision.

Beckie Scott
Founder and CEO