Partners

Squamish Nation

Valley Group 1 Schedule
Valley Group 2 Schedule
North Van Schedule

Lil'wat Nation

Group 1 Schedule
Group 2 Schedule

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)

Wachiay Friendship Centre

St Mary's Indian Band

Little Shuswap Indian Band

How it started

The First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST) Recreation (REC) program began in year two, 2005-2006. The REC program was started originally for Squamish and Lil’wat Nation youth who had little or no experience in snowboarding. The program provides a season pass and equipment to the youth who have successfully met FNST requirements. Since 2005-2006, FNST has expanded its REC Program to other Nations, organizations and schools across BC.

Growth

Year 1

2005-2006

  • 22 Squamish youth at Grouse Mountain
  • 22 Lil'wat Nation youth at Whistler Blackcomb

Year 2

2006-2007

  • 20 Squamish Nation youth at Grouse Mountain
  • 12 Squamish Nation Youth at Whistler Blackcomb
  • 32 Lil'wat Nation youth at Whistler Blackcomb
  • 08 Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) at Grouse Mountain
  • 08 Wachiay Friendship Centre at Mount Washington Alpine Resort
  • 05 Burnaby School District youth at Mount Seymour

Year 3

2007-2008

 

  • 27 Squamish Nation youth at Grouse Mountain
  • 19 Squamish Nation youth at Whistler Blackcomb
  • 25 Lil'wat Nation youth at Whistler Blackcomb
  • 08 Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) at Grouse Mountain
  • 08 Wachiay Friendship Centre at Mount Washington Alpine Resort
  • 06 Little Shuswap Indian Band youth at Sunpeaks Resort
  • 06 St Mary's Indian Band youth at Kimberly Alpine Resort
  • 06 Upper Nicola Indian Band youth at Sunpeaks Resort

Athlete Agreement

FNST REC members must sign an athlete agreement, which states that members must maintain a C+ average while in school, be drug and alcohol free, commit 90% of training and be in good community standings. If they agree and abide by this contract then they earn their pass and equipment for the season.

Training

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) certified FNST High Performance Team (HPT) members provide the REC program training. The REC program includes 10 on-snow days with FNST instructors. Youth are put into groups according to their age and experience.

The highest level of the REC program is the JR Elite team. These youth are between the ages of 12-14 years and demonstrate an elite level of skill. These youth have a desire to compete and join the HPT. The JR Elites have on snow training with both the REC program and the HPT. The JR Elites join local and BC Provincial competitions.

How to start a FNST REC Program?

  1. Contact FNST staff
  2. FNST staff will draft a budget
  3. FNST staff will present to leadership in your nation, organization or school
  4. FNST will contact the local mountain/resort
  5. The FNST REC Program can begin once the 3 parties are in agreement