2026 FESTIVAL FEATURE: A Season of Shared Moments
This season? Unforgettable!
We did it again, and it was something special.
Across 10 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.
At the Canmore Festival, youth, staff, and community members gather around a tipi, coming together in a shared moment of connection.
So much care, coordination, and behind the scenes effort goes into bringing each festival to life. From early planning to the final moments of the day, it truly takes a team, and this season is something we can all feel proud of.
A special thank you to Alberta Blue Cross for supporting festivals across Alberta, and to Hy-Tech Drilling for supporting the festival in Northern BC.
We are also deeply thankful to the many volunteers and partners who rolled up their sleeves to help make these days so special. From set-up and take-down, to handing out snacks, supporting activities, and tying laces, your time and care helped create meaningful experiences for Indigenous youth.
Thank you as well to the following partners who joined us: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities,Sun Life, Inter Pipeline Ltd, ATB Financial,TC Energy, Diplomat Consulting ,and BGO.
Burns lake FESTIVAL
Photos by Thomas Camus
Canmore Festival
Photos by Erika Mann
Sovereign Lake and Nickel Plate Festival
Photos by Laura Filipow
Each winter, Spirit North Festival Days come alive through movement and the laughter that connects our communities. Youth gather to ski, play, and share food while taking part in activities that reflect the unique culture of each place.
This year, 7 festivals unfolded across regions, each one carrying its own energy. Some moments were loud and full of excitement, others were quiet and steady, but all of them created space for youth to try, connect, and grow in confidence.
While cross country skiing remains at the core, these festivals have grown into something more layered and meaningful. They are spaces where youth step in, find their rhythm, and feel part of something that welcomes them fully.
You could see it in the small moments. Laughter echoing across the snow, encouragement passed between friends, and groups coming together in ways that felt natural and easy. These are the kinds of moments that stay with us, long after the day ends.
At the Canmore festival, the day began under grey skies with the feeling that rain might arrive at any moment. But just before the festival began, the clouds lifted and the sun came through to stay with us. It held until the very end, as if making space for the day to unfold, and only after everything wrapped up did the rain begin to fall. It was a small moment that felt quietly special and perfectly timed for the community.
These winter festival celebrations are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and donors, whose contributions help bring each festival to life and ensure youth have the opportunity to take part in these meaningful experiences. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue working alongside communities to grow these gatherings and build on what this season has created. Together, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for youth to connect, build confidence, and experience joy through land based sport and play.