Giving Forward
At Skanii, supporting our brand means championing the future leaders of tomorrow. We are more than just a business, we are a vibrant community dedicated to challenging the status quo and amplifying underrepresented voices. Every purchase you make helps us provide sponsorship clothing packages to young leaders in sport and their communities. In doing so, we have the honour in helping to tell their story. Indigenous communities often teach about reciprocal relationships-if we take something, we give something back. Guided by the principle of reciprocity, we believe in giving forward to those who uplift and inspire us, ensuring that together, we foster a brighter future.
Scott
Whitecotton
Scott Whitecotton is the newest team member to join the Ontario Jr Reign club in Ontario, California. The Reign are the defending champs of the Pacific Division in the United States Premier Hockey League. The Reign shared their enthusiasm for signing the talented, two-way Dman in a Facebook signing announcement post where Whitecotton stated, “They have a great community that I’m excited to be a part of this season.” Scott is from the Gitxsan First Nation in Hazelton, BC, who likes to spend his time dirt biking and doing anything outdoors. When asked what or who inspires him, Scott proudly says, “My parents. They are my biggest fans and supporters and I want to be a great parent like they are when I grow up.”
As an athlete on a long journey like Scott is, it can be challenging to say the least. We asked Scott what words come to mind when he feels doubt or discouraged and what he responded with is at an athlete IQ beyond his years. Scott says, “Work hard and anything is possible. You don’t have to be the most skilled. As long as you have heart, anything is possible.” We are so proud to have you be a part of the Skanii community, Scott! Your leadership and dedication to your craft inspires so many others. Keep going!
Share Scott's Story
Avryl Jones
Avryl is from the Gitxsan nation and has been accepted into the Health Sciences program at the University of Northern BC with a major in Biomedical Studies! Incredible. Avryl has a long list of athletic accomplishments for her All-Star stats and lockdown defense. And Avryl is also a gifted storyteller- sharing a memory from this year’s Zone Championships that left us all with watery eyes and full hearts.
“We entered the tournament ranked second, and the top-ranked team, Prince Rupert, who we had never beaten before, was already fundraising for provincials during the first game. Our second game was against Prince Rupert, and it was a constant battle for the lead. But we pulled through, earning our first win against them and securing a spot in the finals. The final game was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I was extremely fatigued from playing in the All-Native Basketball Tournament just days before, and I didn’t receive a single sub throughout Zones. Pushing through the exhaustion was emotionally challenging, but my teammates and I fought hard for the win.”
We’re so proud of you, Avryl!
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Wyatt Mowatt
Wyatt is from the Gitxsan nation in Gitanmaax, BC and has been accepted into Leeds Beckett in the UK to the BA Sport Business program while he continues the pursuit of playing soccer professionally! In his short athletic career, Wyatt has a long list of accomplishments including winning the Premier Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in sport (in 2023 & 2024) as well as his team winning gold at the North American Indigenous Games 2023 in Halifax. There is no denying Wyatt’s commitment to his craft- he and his mom commuted weekly to the next town over so Wyatt can play rep soccer. Whether it’s winter or summer, you’ll find Wyatt on the soccer field or on the basketball court playing in the All-Native Basketball tournament circuit. We’re so proud of you Wyatt!
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River Harry
Imagine if we celebrated leaders based on how many people felt safe in their presence. That is exactly what we're doing by sharing River's story.
River Harry is a of the Esk'etemc First Nation, also known as the Alkali Lake Indian Band, which represents the First Nations government of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) people. He currently lives on the territories of the Lheidli T’enneh in what is commonly known as Prince George, where he works as a peer support worker at Youth Around Prince.
When asked about his strengths in his work, River says he is often told that he creates a safe space for people to share their stories with him.
River is currently coaching an introduction-to-weightlifting program to help youth feel comfortable and confident using equipment. When asked about his wellness practices for himself, River immediately mentions exercise and meditation.
When asked what inspired him to help others, River thoughtfully describes his younger self; he aspires to be the kind of supportive adult he would have wanted as a youth.
We are so proud of you, River! We are also proud to share a of your story as a leader for those you work with. You are an inspiration, and we are grateful to have you as part of the Skanii community.