Court “Blackbird” Larabee and Blackbird Canada just wrapped another high-impact contract, this time fueling the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Through Blackbird Canada we partnered with Bears’ Lair Dream Camps (the youth spin-off of the hit APTN show that’s like Shark Tank for Indigenous business). We hit the road to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Cold Lake, Saskatchewan, and Northern Alberta, delivering hands-on youth entrepreneur classes for Indigenous youth ages 11-18

Big Stoke Alert: Exciting News About My Feature in Warren Miller 77! I’m pumped to announce I’ll be featured in Warren Miller 77, the newest chapter of the iconic ski and snowboard film series. This year, the ultra-funny and insanely talented Katie Burrell is running the show, with Outside as the fresh new owner. They are bringing bold energy to a legendary brand. Epic Snowmobile Adventure We filmed an epic snowmobile adventure in the rugged Pemberton backcountry. I had the p

What happens when action sports organizations want real Indigenous input instead of surface-level advice? They call someone who’s been in the trenches. I served on the Indigenous Advisory Committee for Helicat Canada and the Indigenous Editorial Board for Global BC. These roles let me influence policy, content, and operations with practical, grounded perspectives rooted in 16+ years of Indigenous leadership in outdoor recreation. For tourism operators, media companies, and ad

Grateful doesn’t even cover it. These recognitions celebrate more than personal wins, they honour the collective progress we’ve made for Indigenous representation in sports, tourism, and leadership: Whistler’s Top Under 40 – Rising Star Award (2020) Named one of Canada’s Top 12 Indigenous Role Models (Gen7 Association, 2012) First Nations Snowboard Team inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame (2019) Whistler Blackcomb Instructor of the Year (2010) Whistler Blackcomb I.C.E. A

For years I’ve been the person leaders quietly call when they need straight talk, cultural insight, and unbiased guidance. From 2018–2022 I served as a key consultant to the Mayor of Whistler, their go-to source for accurate, inside perspectives on local Nations. I’ve also worked as mediator and consultant between Whitewater and local First Nations (and yes, helped name a chairlift the right way). Photo: Mayor Jack Crompton and Court "Blackbird" Larabee Add in governance spea

One of my proudest behind-the-scenes wins? Helping shape people and systems through thoughtful curriculum and policy work. As curriculum writer and Indigenous consultant for BCIT and Whistler Learning Centre (2018–2020), I developed new employee engagement plans and Nation-based Red Seal chef training programs. I also served on the Sea to Sky Grant Making Committee with EVO and Arc’teryx, redesigning how funding reaches BIPOC organizations. These projects show I don’t just s

Hey friends, Court “Blackbird” Larabee here... full-status Anishinaabe from Lacs Des Mille Lacs First Nation. While most know me from the mountains, I’ve also built and run Blackbird Horticulture Services, my hands-on business blending Indigenous values with practical landscape and horticulture expertise. Even though the business was closed to focus on the non-profit, our legacy lives on. Our dream build is at the Squamish and Lil'wat Cultural Centre where we had the honour

Hey friends, Just wrapped an unforgettable week at the Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS) in Whistler - the biggest gathering of mountain travel pros on the planet, and I’m still buzzing. I had the honour of stepping on stage for the general session “Courageous Collaboration: Co-Creating Tourism Experiences with Indigenous Communities.” No fluff, no performative checkboxes - just straight talk on how authentic partnerships with First Nations drive real growth, richer guest exp

A few years ago, I didn’t just join Whistler Blackcomb. I helped create something that didn’t exist before: the Indigenous Relations Specialist position. This wasn’t a generic diversity role or a short-term project. It was a pioneering, full-time position grounded in a unique 50-year agreement between two First Nations (Squamish and Lil’wat), Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Province of British Columbia. Real structure. Real accountability. R

A few years back, I stepped into a brand-new role: Indigenous Relations Specialist at Whistler Blackcomb. This wasn’t a polished title on a org chart—it was a pioneering position carved out of a unique, long-term agreement between two First Nations (Squamish and Lil’wat), Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Province of BC. Think 50+ years of structured collaboration focused on economic opportunity, cultural respect, and shared decision-making. Gr

From Volunteer Coach to Torch-Passer: The ILSAcrew Legacy Hey friends, fellow shredders, hot sauce fans, execs, and Indigenous leaders - grab a quick read with your morning coffee. This is the story of how a simple volunteer gig snowballed into something way bigger than I ever dreamed. It all started back when I joined the First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST) as a volunteer coach. Big shoutout to the awesome Aaron Marchant, who founded and ran the team with serious vision a

Last month, I had the honour of being a special guest at the BC Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors event in Vancouver. Great turnout, solid discussions on cross-border business – and yes, I got to connect directly with U.S. Consulate General Shawn Crowley. (Quick pic proof: me flashing the thumbs-up, arm around the US Consul General Shawn Crowley, flanked by sharp business minds like Adam Franks. Big smiles, bigger opportunities.) This wasn't a one-off. It's part of the

From the Amazing Race Canada Season 8 to Hillary Swank's Alaska Daily , Ikon Pass's Heartbreak Hills , and Burton's My Turn coverage – yeah, I've traded the board for the spotlight a few times. Highlights include repping Indigenous stories on national TV, featuring in Spencer O'Brien's Precious Leader Woman doc, and sharing ILSA's journey in Arcteryx's Riding Red . It's not just fun; it's amplifying voices in snowsports and beyond. Hot sauce on the side note: nothing spices

Burton Culture Shifters - Guest Speaker 2023 was fire: Delivered Indigenous Culture 101 training to Burton's sales team (what to say, what not to say, plus ILSA history). Panelist at Culture Shifters with BIPOC nonprofit leaders. Spoke on Governance & Indigenous Reconciliation for CanWest Ski Association. Guest speaker at Kootenay Lake Tourism AGM highlighting Indigenous tourism wins. Plus consulting for Whitewater and more. Awards like Whistler's Top Under 40 Rising Star (2