Along La Grande Rivière, on the eastern shore of James Bay in Nord-du-Québec, lies the northernmost Cree village of Chisasibi, a community of 5,000 people with a long, rich history, and a passion for preserving their customs.
Chisasibi is a community at a turning point. While deeply rooted in ancient values, living at the nexus of tradition and modernity demands a delicate balance. Recent growing pains—paired with a rapidly expanding youth population—have left the people of Chisasibi searching for ways to honor their heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth.
“The relationship between The Cree Nation of Chisasibi & Classroom Champions is based on the empowerment of youth through the ideals of sport culture and ensuring accessibility for all children,” explains Andrea Dion, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at Classroom Champions.
Chisasibi is a community at a turning point. While deeply rooted in ancient values, living at the nexus of tradition and modernity demands a delicate balance. Recent growing pains—paired with a rapidly expanding youth population—have left the people of Chisasibi searching for ways to honor their heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth.
“The relationship between The Cree Nation of Chisasibi & Classroom Champions is based on the empowerment of youth through the ideals of sport culture and ensuring accessibility for all children,” explains Andrea Dion, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at Classroom Champions.
“Our work in Indigenous communities is crucial to ensuring that every child matters.”
The Power of CommunityUpon arrival, community pride can be seen in every corner of town–from the cherished artifacts of the Chisasibi Heritage & Cultural Centre to the hunting camps and goose blinds that pepper their ancestral hunting grounds along the coast–but it is within the Mitchuap, a towering, teepee-inspired community building that serves as the village center, where it’s most warmly felt.
It is here, in the heart and soul of Chisasibi, where new traditions are being written and practiced, ones that, while still deeply rooted in Cree culture, are now keenly focused on the future of the community and the success of its people. Of the numerous programs putting in the work, though, it is the Chisasibi Fitness Center that is turning heads.
Trevor Monaghan, the Program & Facility Manager, along with his team of coaches and aspiring athletes in the Cree Health, Fitness and Sport Literacy Program, has spent years dedicating himself to a single, ambitious goal: to create lasting change by teaching health, nutrition, and the importance of a Champion Mindset to a new generation of young Cree.With the help of Classroom Champions mentor Kendra Rosychuk, that’s exactly what they're doing.
It is here, in the heart and soul of Chisasibi, where new traditions are being written and practiced, ones that, while still deeply rooted in Cree culture, are now keenly focused on the future of the community and the success of its people. Of the numerous programs putting in the work, though, it is the Chisasibi Fitness Center that is turning heads.
Trevor Monaghan, the Program & Facility Manager, along with his team of coaches and aspiring athletes in the Cree Health, Fitness and Sport Literacy Program, has spent years dedicating himself to a single, ambitious goal: to create lasting change by teaching health, nutrition, and the importance of a Champion Mindset to a new generation of young Cree.With the help of Classroom Champions mentor Kendra Rosychuk, that’s exactly what they're doing.
Kendra Rosychuk at the Heart of the Cree NationKendra Rosychuk, an indigenous hockey coach, dancer, wellness advocate, and public speaker, is known in the sports and athletics world for her motto–movement is my culture. As a Nike N7 athlete and founder of Sport for Spirit, you would expect no less, but what separates Kendra from the rest is that she doesn’t just say that movement is her culture, she lives it.
For Kendra, the Champion Mindset is much more than just medals and accolades, it's about honoring indigenous communities through the lens of sports and wellness, all while bringing people together with the art of movement. To the youth of Chisasibi, the idea of using sports to push past what can sometimes feel like physical and cultural isolation is something very exciting, which makes Kendra’s visit to their village–sponsored by Classroom Champions–all the more impactful.
From day one, Kendra’s presence inside Chisasibi could be felt. Whether she was buying her pre-workout meal at the neighborhood grocer, or getting in some quick stretches at the Mitchuap, she was always surrounded by local youth–from kindergartners to high school students–eager to speak with someone just like them who has gone on to accomplish so much thanks to the Champion Mindset.
For Kendra, the Champion Mindset is much more than just medals and accolades, it's about honoring indigenous communities through the lens of sports and wellness, all while bringing people together with the art of movement. To the youth of Chisasibi, the idea of using sports to push past what can sometimes feel like physical and cultural isolation is something very exciting, which makes Kendra’s visit to their village–sponsored by Classroom Champions–all the more impactful.
From day one, Kendra’s presence inside Chisasibi could be felt. Whether she was buying her pre-workout meal at the neighborhood grocer, or getting in some quick stretches at the Mitchuap, she was always surrounded by local youth–from kindergartners to high school students–eager to speak with someone just like them who has gone on to accomplish so much thanks to the Champion Mindset.
Preserving TraditionTo really witness Kendra’s culture of movement, though, you have to see her dance, and that is exactly what Chisasibi did on the first night of her three-day fitness workshops–the welcome Powwow. An auditorium full of excited onlookers, both residents and visitors, cheered and danced along as Kendra–accompanied by a traditional drum and singing circle–put her words into action and showcased the beauty and strength of her ancestry. “It’s such an honour to do work like this,” Kendra told Classroom Champions, “I had such a good evening and felt welcomed and loved!”
The night was a success, setting the stage for the rest of the week as Kendra and Classroom Champions set up in the Mitchuap. Working together with Trevor and his crew, local youth were able to experience nightly workouts, often in the form of traditional dance, led by Kendra herself. These moments of movement not only showcased the importance of fitness, but highlighted its vital role in applying the Champion Mindset to life outside the gym.Every night, hearts raced and the sweat flowed, but it was in the quiet hours during meals and between workouts when Kendra was at her best, taking the time to speak with the youth of Chisasibi, one-on-one, whether that meant answering questions, offering advice, or dispensing encouragement to anyone and everyone. It was in these moments, surrounded by the next generation of Cree athletes, that the true power of the Champion Mindset could be seen.
The night was a success, setting the stage for the rest of the week as Kendra and Classroom Champions set up in the Mitchuap. Working together with Trevor and his crew, local youth were able to experience nightly workouts, often in the form of traditional dance, led by Kendra herself. These moments of movement not only showcased the importance of fitness, but highlighted its vital role in applying the Champion Mindset to life outside the gym.Every night, hearts raced and the sweat flowed, but it was in the quiet hours during meals and between workouts when Kendra was at her best, taking the time to speak with the youth of Chisasibi, one-on-one, whether that meant answering questions, offering advice, or dispensing encouragement to anyone and everyone. It was in these moments, surrounded by the next generation of Cree athletes, that the true power of the Champion Mindset could be seen.
Looking Forward
The people of Chisasibi and Kendra Rosychuk are bonded for life, that’s the power of mentorship. That one experience for a student–seeing themselves in an empowered athlete–can be all it takes to launch them into a lifelong pattern of setting goals, achieving them, and persevering through life’s ups and downs with hard work and dedication. “Our connection and collaboration has led to a 5 year partnership,” boasts Andrea Dion. “Our team is extremely proud of the work in this remote community; the relationships are going to last a lifetime.”Whether it's an entire town, or just the local volleyball team, Classroom Champions and the Champion Mindset offers the tools that kids need to thrive in and out of the classroom. Couple this with the guidance of athletes like Kendra, who have exemplified these values day in and day out, and what you get is a recipe for success that will last for generations.
Just ask Chisasibi.
The people of Chisasibi and Kendra Rosychuk are bonded for life, that’s the power of mentorship. That one experience for a student–seeing themselves in an empowered athlete–can be all it takes to launch them into a lifelong pattern of setting goals, achieving them, and persevering through life’s ups and downs with hard work and dedication. “Our connection and collaboration has led to a 5 year partnership,” boasts Andrea Dion. “Our team is extremely proud of the work in this remote community; the relationships are going to last a lifetime.”Whether it's an entire town, or just the local volleyball team, Classroom Champions and the Champion Mindset offers the tools that kids need to thrive in and out of the classroom. Couple this with the guidance of athletes like Kendra, who have exemplified these values day in and day out, and what you get is a recipe for success that will last for generations.
Just ask Chisasibi.
