We want our Indigenous Youth to experience a new and different relationship with the land by offering them the opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard.

For many of our Indigenous community members past and present, the land—mountains, hills, fields, ocean harbors, rivers, modern hiking trails, or ski areas—is sacred to us. Indigenous people residing in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and specifically here in Newton have suffered a deep disconnect from—and lack of access to—their Native land. By not having access to land, the ability to build solidarity through outdoor gatherings in these spaces throughout the seasons is incredibly challenging.

Growing up in New England, every winter season we are gifted with the beauty of snow-capped mountains and snow-tipped trees. While many children have financial access to a variety of winter sports here in Newton, there is a great disparity of access for young people of color, in particular Indigenous Youth. Indigenous communities have a special relationship with the land that has been fostered for millennia with, and through, their elders and ancestors. An opportunity to participate in a single day ski trip is more than making turns on the slopes, or riding a chair lift, it is having the opportunity to pay our respects to the Creator and to birth a new connectedness to the land. Furthermore, it honors our ancestors who have carried on cultural traditions and teachings and begins the rebuilding of relationships across tribal nations and families throughout New England. While it is exciting to experience skiing or snowboarding, this day ski trip is a financial burden for many that not only requires the funds for a lift ticket but also rental equipment, food, and transportation. It is also essential to have the support from both individuals and organizations to help us get to those gorgeous and sweeping slopes.

We are looking to offer this opportunity to 20 Indigenous youth, accompanied by adult chaperones, from ages 5-18 years old. We are aiming to ski at Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, NH for a full day of skiing and snowboarding. For the majority of the participants this will be their first opportunity to learn to ski, ride, or be on a mountain. To offset some of the costs of transportation, food, and rentals we are looking to raise $4,250 by February 15, 2023.

Indigenous People Day Newton, in collaboration with local tribes, has begun the footwork to organize and host an Intertribal Youth Day Ski Trip 2023 in March 2023. We are counting on your support to make this a reality for our Indigenous communities this season!

Any donation, no matter the size, would be incredibly helpful. Thank you in advance for supporting our Indigenous youth!

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Indigenous Peoples Day Newton (IPDN) is fiscally sponsored by NOPI - Nonprofit Incubator, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 81-5089505. Donations made to IPDN through NOPI Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Email us with any questions at indigenouspeoplesdaynewton@gmail.com

Intertribal Youth Day Ski Trip 2023

Support Indigenous Youth Learning to Ski!

Team Members