A passion for the outdoors

MPAL coordinator aims to enhance Glooscap community through active living

including Acadia, Annapolis Valley, and Bear River to create Team Kespukwitk.

Kespukwitk is a Mi’kmaq word, selected by the four chiefs, which means “end of the land,” describing the geographical location within Mi’kmak’i.

It allows athletes from the four communities to pool their resources and work together. Since this happened, Glooscap and the other First Nations have all been able to send athletes to the summer games.

Team Kespukwik sent 35 athletes last year, with Glooscap sending nine. And it’s been increasing every year.

Smith has also facilitated the learn-to-run team program at Glooscap, which she started as a student before becoming the MPAL coordinator.

“We had three athletes in our first year, and we just finished our fifth with a five-kilometre race and we had 37 who came out for the run,” she said. “The youngest was 12 years old, who had driven from Paqtnkek First Nation, and my oldest was 87. That was really cool to see.”

Smith says helping coordinate these athletic opportunities is rewarding for all involved.

“Some people I work with still cringe when I call them athletes, but I remind them that’s what they are, setting goals and sticking with it,” she said.

One of those athletes Smith has helped to reach their potential is Jasmine Collins, who began exploring archery after Smith introduced the program in 2016.

Collins has since gone on to become an archery coach herself, participating in the Mi’kmaq Summer Games every year since.

“Jordan is a great asset to our community not only in her position as Mi’kmaq physical activity coordinator but also as a member of Glooscap First Nation,” Collins said. “She is energetic, enthusiastic and pours her heart into her job every day.”

Collins said Smith’s main focus is on the community youth and elders, but is also open to new ideas from others and learning how to engage all ages.

“She brings the energy to the programming and allows members to feel comfortable and at ease,” Collins said. “She allows her personality to shine through, which creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and having fun.”

COLIN CHISHOLM Jordan Smith, MPAL coordinator with Glooscap First Nation at one of the trailheads in the community. She’s working to grow and expand active living and sport programs within the community.

CONTRIBUTED The Wijewi Fun Run Jordan Smith organized included a route from Glooscap Landing to the new store on the reserve. Smith said she’s proud with how much the running program has grown in her community since she introduced it.