Almost a year ago, the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) launched its first edition of the Ancestors’ Challenge, which consists of a mobile obstacle course, deployed by and for First Nations, allowing young people to enjoy an exhilarating experience while pushing their limits in their schoolyard.

More concretely, from May 17 to October 26, 2021, the Ancestors’ Challenge toured 21 communities in Quebec, a journey totaling more than 7,000 km, in which more than 4,500 young people aged 5 to 18 years participated. As the event was intended to be inclusive, all young people were invited to take part, regardless of their physical condition.

Prior to each visit, teachers were called upon to carry out various preparatory activities with their students, sometimes in physical education, but sometimes also in mathematics, French, English as a second language, and arts.

This makes the Ancestors’ Challenge a project that transcends physical activity. It has helped to promote academic motivation, identity pride and community involvement among young First Nations.

Note that the Ancestors’ Challenge took place in compliance with class bubbles, held entirely outside, and at a time when the pandemic situation allowed this kind of initiative.

What does the 2022 edition of the Ancestors’ Challenge have in store for us?

Beginning in 2022, the Ancestors’ Challenge will be an event of the FNEC Inter-School Games (in a larger and more demanding format). The fastest athletes of the 2021 tour are invited to join the 2022 Inter-School Games to try to win the title of Grand Champion of the Ancestors’ Challenge. To be continued!