WHO WE ARE
Let’s Go outside to find out what's inside.
Spirit North is a national charitable organization that uses land-based sports and activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school, and life.
YOUNG, FAST, FREE
Through the transformative power of sport and play, participants in our free programs learn important lessons, discover untold potential and build the confidence and courage needed to overcome the hardships Indigenous youth often face.
CO-CREATED IN COMMUNITY
Working in partnership with schools and communities, our active, participation-based programs are designed to make Indigenous youth feel unstoppable, helping them develop skills that improve their performance in the classroom and deepen their connection to their communities.
ON THE LAND
We know that having a meaningful connection to the land is pivotal, and regular access to sport and land-based activity has the ability to improve physical health, mental health and community health. We've seen the transformative power of our programs – youth becoming leaders, achieving academic success and becoming vibrant, engaged members of their communities.
MEET Spirit North’S CEO
Gary St. Amand
Gary is a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience advancing equity, justice, and community wellbeing. Beginning his career in youth-serving spaces, his work is grounded in collaboration and a deep commitment to relationships and reciprocity. Shaped by sport, governance leadership, and cross-sector work, Gary brings a values-driven approach to building systems where individuals and communities can thrive.
“Growing up, whether it was playing street hockey, high school football, or track and field, the opportunity to participate in sports was a central force that shaped my understanding of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.”
Gary St. Amand, CEO
MEET Spirit North’S Founder
Beckie Scott
Beckie Scott is an Olympic gold and silver medalist in cross-country skiing. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame. Beckie holds Honorary Doctorate of Law degrees from both the University of Alberta and British Columbia.
“Spirit North was founded on the belief that sport holds the power to change lives, transform communities, inspire individuals, heal and teach.”
- Beckie Scott, Founder
SUPPORTERS
PREMIER PARTNER
National Partners
Official Partners
Supporters of
Spirit North
Friends of
Spirit North
CAF America (Nike N7)
Calgary Flames Foundation
Canada Post Community Foundation
CDE Engineering Ltd.
CN
The Daniel Family Foundation
Inter Pipeline Ltd.
National Winter Sport Development Association (NWSDA)
SLB
S. M. Blair Family Foundation
The Winnipeg Foundation