Staff Highlight: Finn thomas
Finn spending time on the land, enjoying the outdoors through canoeing and hiking.
We would like to introduce you to Finn Thomas. Finn is the Regional Coordinator for Ontario and has been with Spirit North for the past two years. In his role, he works closely with communities across the region, supporting programs that help youth get outside, stay active, and build confidence through sport and play.
Originally from Owen Sound on the Bruce Peninsula, Finn joined Spirit North after several years working in outdoor education and summer camps. He finds the greatest fulfillment in building meaningful, long-term relationships with youth and communities through the consistency of Spirit North’s programming.
Spirit North: Is there anyone in your life who inspires you, if so, how have they inspired you?
Finn enjoying time on the water during a canoe trip.
Finn: There have been many people in my life who inspire me. Right now, my biggest inspiration comes from an Elder on Bear Island (Temagami First Nation). I look forward to our discussions and time spent together every month!
Spirit North: Tell us a little about where you come from, where you live, and how you came to work for Spirit North.
Showing a successful catch after a day spent canoeing and fishing on the lake.
Finn: I come from Owen Sound, a small city on the Bruce Peninsula. I came to Spirit North by happy accident. After several years in outdoor education and summer camps, I was seeking something similar but with more purpose. My partner's father sent me the posting for Spirit North Sudbury and I went for it.
Spirit North: Can you share a memorable highlight from a program you've led with Spirit North? What made it stand out for you?
Annika: We recently ran an 'Olympics' program which followed along with the 2026 Winter Olympics. We altered activities to suit the students, focused on prominent Indigenous athletes, and even had four different winter-themed teams. The standout moment was when it became less about medals and more about Olympic values. Rather than being about competition, it instead became about sportsmanship, intentionality and joy. It was awesome to see all the students participating in new winter sports they had never seen before.
Enjoying time in the forest during the fall season, one of Finn’s favourite ways to connect with the land outside of program days.
Spirit North: What do you find inspiring or fulfilling about the impact Spirit North programs have on participants?
Finn: The consistency. Spirit North focuses on providing consistent programs to youth and communities which builds incredible relationships. The ability to mentor and guide youth over longer periods of time has a profound impact.
Spirit North: How do you incorporate cultural learning or practices into your programs?
Finn: I work hard to connect with local elders and knowledge keepers to involve in our programs. We also ensure that youth participating in programs have a platform to share their knowledge about the activities we instruct.
Spirit North: How do you connect with your passion for sport and play outside of Spirit North?
Taking a moment to pause and enjoy the view after a rewarding hike in the outdoors.
Finn I love to be on the land. Sharing that passion and joy with the youth we serve is my ultimate goal. I want youth to be stewards of their land and learn how to conserve and treat the land with care.
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. Through the consistency of Spirit North’s programs, Finn is able to mentor and guide youth while creating spaces where sport, play, and learning can come together. His dedication to community, connection, and time on the land continues to inspire all of us at Spirit North.