Canku Project Holds Skateboard Clinic
The Fort Peck Community College’s Canku Project hosted an Instructional Skateboard Clinic and Community Skate Jam on Saturday, Sept. 23.
The Canku Project, which means “Path” in the Dakota language has the goal of helping reservation students k-12 discover their path in life. The Canku Project strives to reach that goal by providing social-emotional support, educational support, college and career readiness, cultural events, after school activities and new experiences to the students located in all four school districts on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. With the hard work from Canku’s School Engagement coordinators, events such as the skate park clinic are made possible.
The Wolf Point School engagement coordinator Jessica Pipe, who has a passion for skateboarding, wanted to share that with the students in Wolf Point.
“My passion for skateboarding started when my older brother and my two young nephews took me to the skatepark in Wolf Point, and taught me to ride. Learning the skills was great, but what I love about skateboarding is the life lessons it teaches us such as perseverance, hard work, respect, confidence, and going with the flow of what life throws at you,” Pipe said. “We love the Skatepark, but before we can ride we have to clean up broken glass, pick up trash, and sweep out rocks that are left by non-skateboarders. I wanted this event to show the community that there are people of all ages who use the skatepark for skateboarding and how important it is to support one another in that passion and to respect the facilities we have for the youth.”
Pipe added, “We are so thankful to our Montana Skateboard community for making this event possible. A special thank you to the students willing to try something new and I look forward to seeing you all at the skatepark.”
This event was made possible through the partnerships with the Montana Skatepark Association, Board of Missoula Skate shop, Nike N7, local skateboarding experts, Alex Solberg, the band IDK and community volunteers.
Montana Skatepark Association and Board of Missoula donated 22 skateboards, helmets and pads for our students who attended the instructional clinic.
Those students used their new gear to learn more about street skating, transitional skating and had the opportunity to personalize their boards and helmets during the art portion of the clinic.
Following the instructional clinic, a community skate jam was held, where participants from 6 years old to 41 years old showed off their skateboarding skills.
These participants and community supporters received prizes from Nike N7, Montana Skatepark Association, Canku Project and Board of Missoula.
Overall, it was a great event and organizers appreciate all who came out to support the skateboarders and the Wolf Point Skate Park. Follow the Canku Project Facebook page and speak with your local school engagement coordinator for updates on events.
