Join us for a session on the power of non-traditional approaches to enhance student engagement, belonging, and motivation. Drawing from my personal experiences as a youth and now as someone who runs youth programming, I’ll share how skateboarding serves as a unique tool to connect with kids, especially those from diverse backgrounds—including those facing poverty and different cultural backgrounds—who may not find their place in traditional activities. We’ll highlight how skateboarding fosters community, resilience, and a sense of identity. Come and see how Cousins Skateboarding Community connects skateboarding to Indigenous culture and how we brought this connection to two local elementary schools for a full day of learning about culture, community, and our favorite sport!