Staff Highlight: Jake Finney
Jake on a hike with the Spirit North Northern Alberta team in Cadomin, Alberta.
Jake Finney is a Community Program Leader with Spirit North in Edmonton and Athabasca, Alberta, in Treaty 6. Jake grew up in Fort Chipewyan and Athabasca in Treaty 8 and is a member of the Athabasca Fort Chipewyan First Nation. He has been with Spirit North for 4.5 years and the programs Jake leads are inspired by culture and the freedom connected to being active. He plays traditional games with groups tying culture with sport and play.
We asked Jake a few questions to highlight the work he does with Spirit North and what inspired him to be a key member of our organization.
“The person that has inspired me to be a leader is my dad...He makes time and space for everyone he encounters, no matter how busy he is. I try to carry this lesson with me while I am at programs to make time and create a comfortable space for our participants. ”
Spirit North: Is there a person who inspired you on your journey to become a leader or coach?
Jake: The person that has inspired me to be a leader is my dad. He is an important figure in my life, someone I can always turn to for advice. He was a teacher and principal for over 30 years. One particular quality I appreciate about my dad is that he treats everyone the same. He spends the same amount of time talking and getting to know the part time janitor as he does with the school superintendent. He makes time and space for everyone he encounters, no matter how busy he is. I try to carry this lesson with me while I am at programs to make time and create a comfortable space for our participants.
Spirit North: What is one of the most rewarding things about being a leader at Spirit North?
Jake and co-Community Program Leader Sarah at the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre for the last day of programming in the summer of 2024.
Jake: The most rewarding thing about being a community program leader is the rapport you build with students over the years. Having that rapport with students really helps with "buy in" for the programs. My favourite thing around programs is sharing a laugh with the students. I have been fortunate to be the Edmonton Urban Program Coordinator for four years and seeing the growth of the programs occur by being a consistent face with the students I find quite special. The youth get to know you as you get to know them.
Jake’s work with Spirit North is an example of the ways that consistency and connection to culture create space for youth to enjoy meaningful experiences. Just as Jake was inspired by his dad’s leadership and attentive nature, Jake inspires those around him in the way he creates space in his programs for fun, safe, and active participation. As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month we want to share our gratitude for leaders like Jake who uplift those around them and create space for the next generation to do the same.