Staff Highlight: Lexie Obey
Exploring the mountains is one of Lexie's favourite ways to recharge and stay connected to the outdoors.
We’re so glad to introduce you to Lexie Obey, our Regional Coordinator in Southern Alberta.
Originally from Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan and now living in Canmore, Lexie’s path has always been closely tied to community, the land, and the people around her. Before joining Spirit North, she spent several years working alongside Indigenous youth, and that experience continues to shape how she approaches her work today.
In her role, Lexie helps create welcoming spaces where youth feel encouraged to try something new and enjoy being active together. She finds the greatest meaning in the small, everyday moments, watching a student get back up after a fall, celebrating the joy of learning something new, and seeing the possibilities those experiences can bring.
We asked Lexie a few questions to highlight the unique work and programs she does with Spirit North.
Spirit North: Is there anyone in your life who inspires you, if so, how have they inspired you?
Turns out Lexie has another title: Mountain Athlete!
Lexie: My little sisters and my Mom inspire me. All three women raised kids at a very young age. They have had to learn to be patient and brave in moments of uncertainty and strong-headed in years of challenges. They remind me to be accepting of life as it is and to find and celebrate the joy it brings. My nieces and nephews inspire me every day to lead by example. They remind me to live a life of laughter, joy, and love because they are always watching.
Spirit North: Tell us a little about where you come from, where you live, and how you came to work for Spirit North.
The mountains are where Lexie feels most at home.
Lexie: I am from Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan and grew up in Regina, SK. I currently live in Canmore, Alberta, and stumbled upon Spirit North after years of working with Indigenous youth in treatment centers. I love the young-mindedness and play that working with students brings, and I admired the proactive, on-the-land programming Spirit North provided. I took a break from youth work and pursued tree planting for a few years. Through this time, I missed the aspect of working in and with communities; I found Spirit North at the perfect transitionary time in my life and have been enjoying the work ever since!
Spirit North: Can you share a memorable highlight from a program you've led with Spirit North? What made it stand out for you?
Lexie: We as a team worked tirelessly in the summer to get our new traveling bike trailer built out and ready for fall programs. This required many evenings in my driveway taking measurements and running to the hardware store with our superstar volunteer, Dave. Hours of work finally culminated in a finished trailer that can tow 24 mountain bikes anywhere! One of the trailer's first excursions was to the Big Horn Culture Camp. Spirit North had never brought bikes to Big Horn before, and the students at camp were so excited to see them. Over the course of two days, we taught a never-ever-biked student how to ride. We saw his journey from learning to balance on his own, to pedaling from spot to spot, and eventually riding down hills. This student fell off his bike more times than I can count but got up with a smile every time. The perseverance and joy of learning how to ride a bike is magical. All of the hard work and late nights paid off when I saw the possibilities the bikes could bring to our students.
Backcountry skiing is one of the many ways Lexie enjoys staying active outdoors.
Spirit North: What do you find inspiring or fulfilling about the impact Spirit North programs have on participants?
Lexie: Spirit North programs and the leaders who run them bring so much in-the-moment joy to the students. Spirit North is a place where students can find play and laughter, regardless of what is happening in their outside world. I find the passion, dedication, and care the community program leaders bring to their programs, communities, and students truly inspiring. They are a reminder to all that joy is a birthright.
Spirit North: What is something meaningful you’ve learned from the youth during your time with Spirit North?
Lexie: The youth have taught me to have an open mind—to be open to trying something new, even if it appears to be scary.
Spirit North: How do you connect with your passion for sport and play outside of Spirit North?
Lexie: Moving to Canmore two years ago has allowed me to explore new movement through the mountains. When I am not working, I am most likely trail running, climbing, or learning how to backcountry ski and mountain bike. Living in Canmore and working for Spirit North has provided an endless opportunity for exploring sport and play in my own life.
Being outdoors brings Lexie joy, whether she's exploring new trails or enjoying time in nature.
Being outside is where Lexie feels most inspired.
From working with Indigenous youth to finding her place at Spirit North, Lexie has continued to follow what matters most to her: community, play, and meaningful connections. She believes Spirit North is a place where students can find play and laughter, regardless of what is happening in their outside world. And to Lexie, joy is a birthright.