I’m Court “Blackbird” Larabee, Full Status Anishinaabe and proud member of the Lacs des Milles Lacs First Nation. As the founder of BLACKBIRD CANADA, I am recognized as Canada’s leading specialist in Indigenous relations, culture, and reconciliation within the ski and snowboard industry.

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For more than 16 years I have shaped the future of action sports and outdoor recreation by bridging Indigenous communities with the world’s top mountain resorts and organizations. What began in 2007 as a volunteer coach with the First Nations Snowboard Team grew into the Indigenous Life Sport Academy (ILSAcrew), where I now serve as Executive Director. That same passion led me to pioneer the groundbreaking Indigenous Relations Specialist role at Whistler Blackcomb—the only position of its kind, created through a historic 50-year agreement between two First Nations, the company, and the Province of British Columbia. I continue to serve as a trusted snowboard instructor and cultural advisor at Whistler Blackcomb, while also sitting on the Indigenous Advisory Committee for Helicat Canada and the Indigenous editorial board for Global BC.

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My political and community connections run deep. I have advised the Mayor of Whistler (2018–2022) as their go-to source for unbiased, insider information on local Nations. I have consulted directly with provincial mountain resort authorities, mediated between Whitewater Ski Resort and local First Nations (even helping name a new chairlift), and spoken on governance and Indigenous reconciliation alongside senior officials from British Columbia’s mountain resorts branch at the CanWest Ski Association. I’ve delivered Indigenous Culture 101 training to Burton’s global sales team, sat on the Sea to Sky Grant Making Committee with EVO and Arc’teryx, redesigned grant programs for BIPOC organizations, and served on panels with nonprofit leaders from every corner of the BIPOC community. These relationships aren’t just titles—they are built on trust, respect, and real results.

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I am safe to work with, deeply collaborative, and I genuinely love all people. Whether you are a resort operator, brand, government body, or community organization, my approach is always rooted in integrity, cultural accuracy, and shared success. BLACKBIRD CANADA exists to help you move forward with confidence—together.

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My work has also captured national and international attention. I’ve appeared on The Amazing Race Canada, the Ikon Pass “Heartbreak Hills” series, Burton Snowboards’ “My Turn” campaign, ABC/Disney/Apple TV’s Alaska Daily alongside Hillary Swank and Grace Dove, the Spencer O’Brien documentary Precious Leader Woman, and Arc’teryx’s Riding Red ILSA documentary. These media moments highlight the impact of the work I’ve helped lead and the stories we continue to tell.

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If you’re ready to build stronger, more respectful relationships in the ski and snowboard world, I’m the specialist who can make it happen. Let’s talk.