Have you ever wondered how sports can transform lives and address equity gaps in Indigenous communities? Join us for this special episode of Give*Amplify*Connect where we share inspiring stories from Spirit North, an organization dedicated to creating sports opportunities for Indigenous youth. Meredith Bratland, Spirit North's director of communications, and a dynamic team of voices – Jennifer MacPherson, Robi Fish, Gabriel (Gabby) Hall, and Megan Imrie – discuss the incredible impact of land-based sports on their lives and the importance of including multiple perspectives in this conversation.

Get ready to be moved by real-life stories, such as Robi's account of a student's journey learning to ride a bike at Nakoda Elementary School and the joy it brought to the entire community. Hear about Gabby and Megan's passion for giving back through sports and how their experiences have shaped their outlook on life. Learn about the power of community and the lessons they've gained through working with Spirit North, from listening to youth and co-creating with communities, to respecting Indigenous traditions and fostering healthy connections. Don't miss the chance to discover the transforming power of sport and the incredible work being done by Spirit North to create access and opportunity for all.

About Spirit North:

Spirit North is a national charitable organization that uses land-based activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school and life. Working in partnership with schools and communities, Spirit North delivers programs to over 10,000 Indigenous youth in 83 communities and 134 schools in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. 

• Learn more about Spirit North here
• Sign up for their newsletter here
• Check out their job postings here
• View the Photo Voice exhibit here 

About our Guests:

Meredith Bratland - Director of Communication @11:15 Meredith talks about Spirit North's youth leadership program

Megan Imrie - Program Development Manager @7:53 Megan shares about listening and co-creating with community

Jennifer MacPherson - Regional Coordinator @13:31 Jennifer discusses multi-week programs building confidence

Gabriel Hall - Spirit North Leader @3:40 Gabby explains how he first  got involved with Spirit North

Robi Fish - Spirit North Leader @18:13 Robi tells a story about the bike program at Nakoda Elementary 

In this Episode:

0:15 Learning From Spirit North Voices
3:40 Spirit North Connections
6:16 Lessons earned
11:58 Biking with Spirit North
15:56 Empowering Youth Through Photo Voice
24:52 Give Amplify Connect  

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com

Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun