#ThanksCoach Court "Blackbird" Larabee - Inclusion & The First Nations Snowboard Association
Court "Blackbird" Larabee, Vice President of the First Nation Snowboard Association rounds out our #NationalCoachesWeek interviews.
Canada Snowboard: What’s the best way to get Indigenous youth into snowboarding? And to keep them involved in it?
Court Larabee: Providing affordable access. Snowboarding can be an expensive sport, programs like the FNST help subsidize program costs to get as many indigenous youth snowboarding as possible.
CS: What are some of the things you’ve learned as Vice President of the First Nation’s Snowboard Team?
CL: Working as a the VP has allowed me to learn about the complex diversities between our many nations across Canada. Every Nation has their unique art, culture, lifestyles and obstacles to reconciliation.
CS:What are some solutions to some of the problems facing the FNSA today?
CL: In the wake of our Olympic Legacy funding it is crucial to find more funding opportunities. It takes dedicated full-time admin and support staff necessary to make such a large program successful. After the Vancouver Olympics, we were able to employ 4 full time staff in the winter season. Now we are only able to employ 2 admin staff on a part time basis. Which puts a strain on the entire program.
CS: How can other coaches get involved in the FNST?
CL: We are always accepting new certified coaches into our programs. We have REC programs for most and High Performance Coaching positions for those with the appropriate CS training.
CS:What does inclusion mean to you?
CL: 2 conclusions: 1. No one is left behind 2. The promotion of First Nations individuals to roles of leadership and/or mentorship.
You can learn more abou the FNSA under the programs tab of our website.
