Blood Tribe’s very first skateboard youth program
By: Wylie Gros Ventre Boy
STANDOFF, Ab — On a quiet stretch of prairie in southern Alberta, Husky First Charger is preparing to bring his vision for Indigenous youth back to life one skateboard at a time.
The founder of the Nitokska Youth Program is planning to relaunch his weekly skateboarding sessions on the Blood Reserve this summer. The program, now heading into its third year, offers a space for young people to learn, grow and connect through skateboarding.
With a tentative start date set for late June or early July, First Charger is working to confirm venues, solidify community partnerships and ensure he has the necessary support to run another successful season. He is hoping by the end of June, which is when he will confirm dates for his program and hopefully gets it out to the public as soon as possible.
“I want to make sure the space is ready, that we have everything in place before we start, this program isn’t just about skateboarding — it’s about building a safe environment for the kids,” First Charger, said.
The summer schedule will begin at the multipurpose building in Standoff, with plans to move programming to Moses Lake in August. Each session will focus on the fundamentals of skateboarding, while encouraging teamwork, self-confidence and cultural pride.
First Charger said the name Nitokska (knee-dook-sk-aa) carries deep meaning. In Blackfoot, it translates to “one, but how I see it is ‘we are all one’,” he added.
“No one’s better than anyone else, we all lift each other up in sports and in life. That’s the message I want the youth to carry with them,” First Charger said.
The Nitokska Youth Program began in 2022 as a grassroots effort to provide consistent, accessible summer activities for Indigenous youth in and around Lethbridge. What started as a handful of kids skating together has grown into a full-fledged initiative that now includes winter boxing and upcoming plans for snowboarding programs. They also just partnered up with Cousins Skateboards from Siksika, they help each other from both reserves and are growing as a team to bring light to the youth in each community.
Throughout the summer months, kids from the Blood Tribe and Lethbridge gather to skate, share stories and support each other. Many of them had never tried skateboarding before joining the program.
“I just wanted to give the youth something that I never had growing up — a space where they feel safe and supported, some of these kids are trying a sport for the first time. You can see how proud they are when they learn something new,” First Charger, said.
The program has seen increased support over the past two years. Donations of new skateboards, protective gear, clothing and other equipment have helped reduce barriers to participation. Last summer, First Charger organized giveaways that sent kids home with gear of their own.
In a highlight moment for the program, he brought 12 youth on a three-day trip to Edmonton, where they skated outside Rogers Place Arena. The Edmonton Oilers organization captured the session for Truth and Reconciliation Day, recognizing the impact of grassroots community efforts like Nitokska and Cousins Skateboards.
“It was powerful to see the kids in that space, being recognized and celebrated, some of them had never been on a trip like that before. It meant the world to them and to us,” Derek Spear Chief, said.
This summer promises even more excitement, as Toy Machine Skateboards one of America’s most iconic skateboard brands — scheduled to make an appearance on the reserve.
While an exact date has not yet been confirmed, Toy Machine is expected to drop in sometime in July. The visit is already generating buzz among local youth and volunteers.
“This is huge for the kids, to have a major skate team come to our community that’s something they’ll never forget. It’s going to be amazing,” said First Charger.
He encourages families and youth to keep an eye out for the official announcement and says the visit will include a community skate jam and opportunities for young skaters to meet and learn from experienced riders.
As the 2025 season approaches, First Charger is focused on building a sustainable foundation for the future. He’s reaching out to local departments, community organizations and volunteers to help coordinate programming, transportation and equipment needs. Because In the Fall of 2024 First Charger had Skate lessons out in Piikani Nation as well for their youth that went on for number of weeks.
He said long-term support from the Blood Tribe and neighbouring communities will be a key to keeping the momentum going.
“I can’t do it alone; it takes the community to make something like this last. If we all put in time and care, these youth will carry that with them for life.”
While skateboarding remains the heart of the summer program, First Charger is already thinking ahead. He plans to offer two major skate trips next season, including a return to Edmonton in August. He’s also finalizing details for his new winter snowboarding sessions, which he is trying to launch later this year.
Nitokska is about more than a sport, it’s about building identity, healing through activity, and fostering leadership in the next generation.
“It’s not just a skate program, it’s a place where the kids can be themselves, where they’re seen, and where they’re reminded that they matter,” Said First Charger.
With a board in hand and community behind him, First Charger is once again preparing to give young people the tools to carve their own paths.
If you are looking for more information Husky First Charger is on all social media platforms for any personal discussions and updates. But you are also welcome to contact Cousinsskateboarding.com for registration when asked for by instructor or for updates for upcoming events in the near future. But if you are interested in donations don’t be afraid to reach out through the website and talk with one of the instructors who will get you in contact with the right person for that. Donations aren’t just about money, it can be equipment, skateboard obstacles you don’t use anymore, new skate clothing, etc. So don’t hesitate to reach out and get in contact with somebody.
