SPOTLIGHT ON ONTARIO: WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED
Ontario is home to some of our newest programs. This year, 2,374 students across 14 communities and 27 schools in Ontario began exploring the local waterways with our summer canoeing programs.
ACCESS + OPPORTUNITY: SPOTLIGHT ON NORTHERN PROGRAMS
For youth living in Northern communities, with skis comes new, friendly faces and stories. Skiing is also a way for youth to connect to the land and each other when everything feels so far away.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Every day, young people are choosing to be leaders, peer mentors, and orchestrators of inspiration for younger generations.
THE EXPONENTIAL POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Through our traveling programs Spirit North goes far, but with partners, we can go further. That’s what makes working with youth, schools, and communities so special.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Skylar and Stephane Richard bring family, culture and the land to the heart of programs in Southern BC
INCREASE the impact of your donation
Great news! We are honoured and very grateful to be one of the charities selected to receive donation matching in this year’s Rogers Charity Classic Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. Donate by August 31, 2025, and your gift will be matched up to 50%.
Staff Highlight: Robi Fish
Robi Fish is a Community Program Leader with Spirit North, and is based in Mînî Thnî, Bow Valley, AB, Treaty 7. Robi has been with us for four years and her programs are generally connected to her passions for hiking, biking, and skiing. She was drawn to Spirit North through a shared understanding of the power of sport and play, and it’s ability to create space for people to connect with themselves, each other, and the land where they live.
Staff Highlight: Jake Finney
Jake Finney has worked with Spirit North for 4.5 years. He’s a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Treaty 8, and is a Community Program Leader in Athabasca and Edmonton, AB, Treaty 6.
Treaty 6 Traditional Games Festival, 2025
On June 5th, 2025, the second annual Treaty 6 Athletics Traditional Games Festival took place at maskêkosak kiskinomâtowikamik in Enoch Cree Nation. The event is a unique opportunity for students to participate in competitive versions of some traditional games played in Spirit North programs or land-based learning classes.
2025 Spirit North Festival Photo FEATURE
We (you) did it! Staff, volunteers, and helpers of all kinds geared up for another fantastic festival season in 15 regions this year…and we’ve got the photos to prove it!
Sport as medicine: Benjamin Cooper-Janvier’s Journey to Boston and beyond
This April, Benjamin Cooper-Janvier will run the Boston Marathon—not just as a personal milestone, but as a powerful act of healing, purpose, and support for Indigenous youth. Help us raise funds for Spirit North through sharing Benjamin’s vision and journey.
Sun Life Team Gathers for Warmth Kit creation Event
Celebrating our incredible partners at Sun Life for their continued support and generosity! This year their team travelled from across the region to gather in Toronto, Waterloo and Montreal and assemble warmth kits filled with essentials like toques, gloves, lip balm, cup-a-soup, hot pods, and even handwritten notes of encouragement.
WATCH: BBC STORYWORKS features Spirit North
Through a wonderful partnership with SunLife and BBC Storyworks, a short film featuring Spirit North and the community of Mînî Thnî (in Alberta) is being shared around the globe.
Partnering to support older youth
In Treaty 7 Spirit North has 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.
Team feature: Roy Ettawacappo
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & LAND-BASED LEARNING AT NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION, MB
Last summer, program leader Roy Ettawacappo established a new Cree Camp as part of Spirit North’s summer activities in Manitoba. The three-week program focuses on teaching youth Cree language and traditions while participating in fun, land-based activities.
A Day of Connection and Play: Spirit North PArtners Experience Indigenous Culture
Under the brilliant Toronto sun, a group of Spirit North donors gathered at Eglinton Park for a special event that provided a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and connect through traditional games and storytelling, creating a deeper understanding of the impact of Spirit North’s work with Indigenous communities and youth.
Thank you, Beckie!
Upon Beckie’s departure as CEO (and transition to Founder role), our team across the country submitted their messages of love and thanks for all she has done through her vision for Spirit North and her passion for teamwork. Watch the video.