Partnering to support older youth
In Treaty 7 there is a unique community partnership that exists to create access to play and sport-based programming for older youth, typically between 18 and 30. The Howl Experience helps youth navigate questions around what’s next after high school and gives young people experiences to help them discover more about themselves without having to leave their community.
Both organizations agree sport provides a lens for community-building.
“Spirit North does a great job of meeting participants where they are at and providing diversified learning opportunities, regardless of the activity,” says Adam Mertens, Director of Howl Experiences. “Many of our participants come to these activities having internalized self-doubt about their ability to participate.”
Adam notes that these feelings are not dissimilar to other age groups that benefit from Spirit North programs, though in older youth those feelings can be more ingrained and harder for them to let down their guard.
Spirit North extends access to programs such as mountain biking, cross-country skiing, Indigenous games and also provide these older youth opportunities to volunteer with some Spirit North days to gain experience and provide service to their community.
“With Spirit North, youth develop a lot of pride and they share experiences, ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. They can contribute to their community and build relationships,” expresses Adam. “Their participation in sport helps them develop a confidence that they can do these things.”
“Our participants also learn the value of movement and think about their own strategies for wellbeing - a fixture that often hasn’t been a part of their life or the things they remember learning.”
Beyond the programming benefits, both organizations continue to benefit from sharing knowledge, resources, and building up the not-for-profit community around them.
“Having Spirit North as a true partner in every sense has helped our organization grow, and I can see the impact our collective efforts are having on changing the trajectory of these young people’s lives. That’s what makes this partnership so powerful.”
FESTIVALS BRING COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Every spring, Spirit North hosts Festival Days across Turtle Island, collaborating with Indigenous communities to bring together school and community members to participate in traditional games, winter games, food and cultural activities.
This past spring marked the inaugural Festival Days at Hollow Water First Nation. The day was filled with land-based activities of snowshoeing, cross country skiing, archery and ski loppet. Students learned to make traditional food such as bannock and participated in cultural ceremonies. The vision for Hollow Water to host their own Festival Days was made possible thanks to the support of local community partners, Hollow Water Health Authority and Jordan’s Principle, as well as the financial commitment of donors and partners like the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.