“They took risks and received rewards for skills gained. Youth built relationships and put trust into the instructors.”
TLA-O-QUI-AHT FIRST NATION
Tla-o-qui-aht’s Active Communities Grant project focused on promoting health and confidence among youth through wellness, cultural programming, and surf, snow, and skate sports.
Called “Surf and Spirit,” the project successfully supported youth health and well-being by providing fun opportunities to safely build new skills and relationships with others.
The project lead from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation shares that, “When we started the skateboarding weeks, the youth were intimidated to skateboard down a ramp. By the end of three weeks, the youth were able to confidently ride the ramps.”
Surfing offered support and mentorship from trusted community members. Weekly lessons were led by certified Indigenous surf coaches, and Rising Tide Surf provided surf gear and transportation. Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation hosted four other Nations and they shared surf and culture. The momentum continued with a Surf & Wellness Weekend offering workshops and peer sharing.
Building surf skills and new connections. © Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
Up on the slopes, youth kept building camaraderie and confidences. “On the ski trip, the youth showed growth adaptive skills. If a certain activity was not for them (e.g., snowboarding), they tried something different and still explored the outdoors by skiing or sledding. We always have gratitude circles for our activities, and our participants expressed their joy and challenges of stepping outside comfort zones.” -Project Lead
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation youth on a ski trip. © Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
Cultural learning was the thread through all of the activities. Knowledge Holders were included in programming, and activities included weaving cedar with Elder community leaders and baking goodies for Elders. “We made cultural art and shared stories. We also utilized I-SPARC trained facilitators who live local to us. We welcomed in singers to teach songs and share stories.” -Project Lead
The holistic programming also spanned mental wellness sessions, healthy eating and cooking with a dietician, and yoga and sound therapy.
Thank you to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for your fantastic work and to I-SPARC (the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council) for their partnership on this grant project.
