NEWS RELEASE June 22, 2026

For immediate release

As communities across Canada mark National Indigenous History Month this June, Alberta Blue Cross is recognizing the importance of Indigenous-centred opportunities that connect youth to culture, community and wellness through its new partnership with Spirit North.

This partnership helped support Spirit North’s third annual Treaty 6 Traditional Games Festival, held on May 19 at Kihcihkaw Askî-Sacred Land in Edmonton. More than 100 athletes in grades 7 through 12 from 5 schools in the Treaty 6 area took part in a day of cultural celebration, connection and friendly competition through Dene stick pull, seal pull, back push, one-foot high kick and double ball.

“These games are part of their history, so it’s important for Indigenous youth to play and compete this way, to build a connection with the past,” said Jake Finney, community program leader with Spirit North and organizer of the Treaty 6 Traditional Games Festival. “It’s a fun way to keep that history alive and to grow these sports for the next generation.”

National Indigenous History Month is a time to recognize and honour the unique histories, cultures, diversity and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. The festival brought that recognition to life locally by creating space for Indigenous youth to learn, practice and celebrate traditional games rooted in culture, land and community.

Working in partnership with Indigenous communities and schools, Spirit North creates free programs for Indigenous youth that support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Through activities such as cross-country skiing, mountain biking, canoeing and traditional land-based games, participants build confidence, leadership skills and a stronger connection to their communities.

In Alberta, Spirit North’s 2024/2025 programming reached 7,326 student participants, 437 community member participants and 21 youth leaders across 35 communities and 58 schools, delivering 734 program days. Across all regions in it serves, Spirit North provided programming for 18,500 participants.

“Supporting the health and wellness of youth is one of the most important investments we can make in our communities,” said Narissa Kanji, director of Community Impact at Alberta Blue Cross. “During National

Indigenous History Month, we’re especially proud to highlight Spirit North’s work creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to come together and support their wellbeing. Seeing participants learn, grow and create lasting connections through programs like this is what makes these partnerships so meaningful.”

The partnership reflects Alberta Blue Cross’s commitment to supporting community-based initiatives that strengthen health and wellbeing while honouring Indigenous culture, knowledge and leadership.

Photos from the Treaty 6 Traditional Games Festival are available on the Alberta Blue Cross website.

About Alberta Blue Cross

Alberta Blue Cross is a lifelong partner in health and wellbeing, helping people and organizations navigate life’s meaningful moments with clarity, care and confidence. For more than 75 years, we’ve supported individuals, employers, communities and governments through coverage and guidance to help people live well. Rooted in Alberta, we invest locally in initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve.

About Spirit North

Spirit North is a national charitable organization that works with Indigenous communities to deliver land-based sports and activities that improve health and wellbeing, empowering young people to become unstoppable in sport, school and life. Founded by Olympic gold medalist Beckie Scott, Spirit North believes that sport has the power to transform lives and create opportunities.

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For more information, please contact Katelyn Pretzlaff, senior communications officer, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross, at kpretzla@ab.bluecross.ca.