Stories from the land

Joy shows up in unexpected places: a wobbly day out on skinny skis, a burst of laughter echoing across a frozen lake, the quiet pride you feel when you’ve just done something you never thought you could. Stories from the Land is where we gather those moments: real stories from the youth, coaches, and communities who make up Spirit North.

Read on, and feel a little of that joy for yourself.

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Staff Highlight: Lexie Obey

Lexie brings a deep connection to community, the land, and the people around her, creating welcoming spaces where youth feel encouraged to try something new, build confidence, and discover the joy of being active together.

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Trailblazers of TaOtha

Sometimes the smallest voices start the biggest movements. At TaOtha Community School, a special request from the kindergarten class put their principal to the test, and he didn’t back down from the challenge!

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Rooted in Tradition, Alive in Play

A celebration of culture, community, and the joy of traditional games. The Northern Alberta Traditional Games Festival brought youth, families, and community together for a day full of laughter, energy, and belonging.

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2026 FESTIVAL FEATURE

Across 7 festivals this winter, staff, volunteers, and community partners came together to bring these days to life, filled with energy, connection, and moments we won’t forget.

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Staff Highlight: Finn thomas

Finn brings a thoughtful and community-centered approach to every program he leads. His passion for the outdoors and commitment to building strong relationships allows him to create meaningful connections with youth and communities across Ontario.

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The Power of Sport for Good

Spirit North’s Impacts and approach are featured in new Calacus White Paper

Spirit North is reaching new audiences around the world, thanks in part to a feature in a new white paper created by renowned sports PR firm, Calacus.

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Honouring the Land

Walking together to grow cultural programs in Manitoba.

“It’s all about getting out on the land and giving everyone the opportunity to learn. That’s where the real connection happens.”

— Gabby Hall, Community Program Leader

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Youth Leadership in Action

Every day, young people are choosing to be leaders, peer mentors, and orchestrators of inspiration for younger generations.

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On a Roll in Southern Alberta

A new bike fleet is igniting possibilities in Southern Alberta. And in communities where access to recreation can be limited, a bike opens a world of possibilities. 

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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. 

 

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A Legacy of Leadership

Skylar and Stephane Richard bring family, culture and the land to the heart of programs in Southern BC 

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Staff Highlight: Annika Olesen

Annika grew up close to the land and water on a remote homestead on Great Slave Lake and has been dog mushing ever since she could walk. She leads by example by being a beam of light and positivity, believing in the potential of all youth for the future.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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