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The Power of Running to Bridge Cultures
Can running foster a deeper understanding of different cultures? Can immersing in nature connect youth to communities they may not readily access? The Windbreakers youth running program, a brainchild of Jarod Letendre and Vernon Hagen, believes it can. Launched in 2024, this initiative aims to unite Indigenous youth in St. Albert, Alberta, through the joy of running while also imparting essential Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Letendre, a public school teacher, and Hagen, an RCMP officer, both from the Métis community, initiated the program with just eight runners. Fast forward to today, and the group has blossomed to over 20 committed athletes, with new members joining through word-of-mouth. The program intertwines various events, from training for local races to participating in Alberta’s Indigenous Games, while simultaneously learning about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Overcoming Barriers Through Community
Despite the program’s growth, challenges remain, particularly concerning transportation, as is common in many Indigenous communities. Hagen acknowledges this barrier, which often deters potential participants eager to engage in the program.
“The integration of running with Indigenous culture and knowledge transfer was essential,” says Letendre. “We wanted to bring mentors, Indigenous Elders, and Knowledge Keepers into the fold to provide our athletes with role models who can share their own stories and engage with them.” For many athletes, the Windbreakers program serves as their first meaningful connection to their Indigenous heritage.
Rediscovering the Joy of Running
Hagen himself returned to running after a decade-long hiatus, having initially been scouted by colleges during his high school days. His rediscovery of running in 2019 ignited a passion to share its lessons with the youth. “Running teaches you that you can push through challenges and accomplish hard things,” he says. This mentorship focus is at the program’s heart, where Elders share their experiences about how sports have positively impacted their lives.
Fostering Connections Through Nature
Letendre echoes the significance of connecting running with Indigenous culture. “It’s vital for our athletes to learn how running relates to our connections with nature,” he says. A Knowledge Keeper shared that when running, one connects with Mother Earth, breathing the same air as the trees. Such lessons enrich participants’ experiences, even when weather conditions challenge their perspectives, like running in the rain.
A Comprehensive Training Experience
The Windbreakers meet twice weekly, engaging in a mix of training that includes easy runs, interval workouts, and hill training. Letendre emphasizes the importance of fun in the training: “Sometimes we just enjoy running by the river as a group.” Each practice session begins with discussions led by an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, followed by running and then an open gym period for recreational play.
“We have fast runners in our group, but we also have youth who simply benefit from being active and participating,” he explains. With additional training, many have shown significant improvement in fitness.
The Benefits of Belonging
Hagen notes noticeable shifts in the youth’s self-esteem and camaraderie as they bond during practices and events. “When we first began, the kids were quiet, but now they’ve come out of their shells,” he explains. This emphasis on belonging can transform their lives during formative years, marking an essential period where self-esteem is often fragile.
Letendre adds that running helps improve mental health as well. “We have children who rarely smiled at school beaming when out on the trails,” he says. Encouraging exercise and a connection to nature is a core tenet of the Windbreakers’ mission.
A Community-Focused Approach
Hagen humorously reflects, “It’s hard not to form friendships while running next to someone regularly.” The environment cultivated by the Windbreakers is nurturing, focusing less on competition and more on participation and enjoyment. “We aim to instill a love for the sport and culture,” he adds.
As a testament to their commitment to fostering these initiatives, Under Armour Canada has made a $5,000 product donation to the Windbreakers, helping to further their mission in getting more youth involved in the sport of running.
