By Nora OB次元官网网址橫alley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter HA-SHILTH-SA
Up Mount Washington, Indigenous youth can ride through the trees or sit and throw snowballs B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 all about having fun and being free for members of the Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team.
The recreation-focused, 100 per cent volunteer -driven snowboard and ski team is accepting applications from Vancouver Island-based Indigenous youth ages 12 to 17 until Nov. 12. Members receive a pass to Mount Washington Ski Resort for the 2024-2025 season, access to gear if they need, plus holistic training that promotes healthy living and long-term love for the sport.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e not drilling kids to go fast, you know all these things that competing brings. WeB次元官网网址檙e like, `Just have fun!B次元官网网址�,B次元官网网址� said coach Steve Recalma, a community archeologist who is KwakwakaB次元官网网址檞akw from the Qualicum First Nation. B次元官网网址淟etB次元官网网址檚 just get out. DonB次元官网网址檛 think about anything else but being free and being here.B次元官网网址�
Team membership and admin co-ordinator Kim Leming says the program helps Indigenous youth reconnect to the land in a different way.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e leading by example with the lifestyle that weB次元官网网址檝e chosen to have,B次元官网网址� said Leming, a veteran snowboarder who is of Cree descent from Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Recalma, a former competitive snowboarder, adds that being a role model includes showing up with a healthy meal, drinking fluids constantly and being clean and sober on the mountain.
B次元官网网址淪nowboarding saved my life from drugs and alcohol at an early age,B次元官网网址� he shares.
The Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard Team evolved from the First Nations Snowboard Team in Whistler, a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics. With a constant commitment from Mount Washington Ski Resort, the program has supported hundreds of Indigenous youth throughout the years. Going forward, Leming says theyB次元官网网址檙e looking to build capacity by connecting with Indigenous leaders and working with other organizations and nations that can provide guidance.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been holding back. We know how big this can be. We know how it can bloom and blossom, which is amazing for Indigenous youth,B次元官网网址� said Leming, a full-time staff member of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC).
Recalma would love to see more Indigenous coaches added to the program, adding that one of his former students is returning this year as an instructor.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 kind of like a revolving door. We teach the youth and then they teach the youth. They learn how to coach and they see how we operate,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e are more than a coach to them, weB次元官网网址檙e mentors, weB次元官网网址檙e friends. They really start to open up to you and build a level of trust when you see them all season. ItB次元官网网址檚 just huge for both parties.B次元官网网址�
He went on to share that heB次元官网网址檚 been spending a lot of time in the mountains these days and can feel the temperature difference.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 just really excited for it all,B次元官网网址� Recalma beams.
Leming canB次元官网网址檛 hide her optimism.
B次元官网网址淚 think this year is going to be a really good snow year,B次元官网网址� she said.
Anyone interested in applying to the program or boosting capacity as a coach is encouraged to email vancouverisland.fnst鈫昰mail.com or visit Indigenous Snowboard Team - Vancouver Island on Facebook for more information.
