Xwlemi Nation Family

Fiscally Sponsored Project of the Lhaq’temish Foundation

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Xwlemi Nation Family • Snowboard Program

Xwlemi Nation Snowboard Program - Lummi Nation
We introduce Lummi and Nooksack youth to the joy of winter sports at Mt. Baker Ski Area — removing financial barriers, building community, and creating culturally welcoming experiences on historically tribal lands.

About the Program

The Xwlemi Snowboard Family (XNF) is a native-led nonprofit that runs ski and snowboard days for tribal youth. The program focuses on safe, fun, and inclusive access to the mountains: transportation, on-hill instruction and equipment support help make snow sports possible for kids who otherwise couldn’t attend.

Our Mission

Mt Baker ski area is one of the premier ski and snowboard destinations on the planet and we aim to provide local native youth with the opportunity to enjoy these sports and build a deeper connections with this sacred part of their traditional territory. We hope to build friendships that last a lifetime and foster better communication and trust between native people and the mountain community.

Program Highlights

  • Accessible & Inclusive: financial barriers are removed so Lummi and Nooksack children can experience skiing and snowboarding.
  • On-hill Days at Mt. Baker: regular scheduled trips to Mt. Baker Ski Area (full schedule and registration available via the program’s schedule link).
  • Volunteers & Community: local volunteers, donors, and partners help with instruction, transportation and equipment so youth get safe, quality mountain time.

    “Living near Mt Baker and not being able to snowboard or ski, is like living in Hawaii and never having the opportunity to surf. Most native youth in Whatcom county never get a chance experience these sports, even though most have lived in close proximity to the mountain their whole lives.”

    — Zack Giffin, professional skier

    Meet the Team


    Logo of Xwlemi Snowboard Family - snowboard program.Nikolous Lewis     – Project Founder

    Sadie Olsen – Project Lead

    Arthur Felix and Gwyn Howat – Project Co-Founders

    Project Board Members & Volunteers who emphasize culture, community and mountain stewardship.

    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.

    What We’ve Achieved

    • Connected underprivelagded youth to healthy recreational activities.
    • Built lasting friendships.
    • Facilitated better communication and trust between native and non-native people.
    • Provided athletic opportunity at a time of year when many other youth actives are not available.
    • Helped to increase diversity in the mountain community.
    • Smiles… lots of them.
    • Tail Grabs.
    • New ways for native youth to enjoy the spectacular beauty of their traditional territory.

    Support & Partners

    The program is funded and supported by community sponsors — including Mt. Baker Ski Area, Lib Tech, Armada Skis, and the Lhaq’temish Foundation — who make trips and gear possible. There’s a clear call to donate or sponsor to keep the program running.

    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.
    Xwlemi Snowboard Family Program - helps Nooksack and Lummi youth learn to ski at Mt Baker Ski Area.

    XNF – Xwlemi Nation Family

    “These are the photos of the XNF trips to Mt. Baker. We are very thankful for all of the support from the community. It is crazy to think that just three years ago this was all just a dream of ours and it has been my greatest pleasure watching it grow into what it has become. I want to thank Nick Lewis and Gwyn Howat for making all of this possible. I hope everyone had a blast today and I look forward to all the trips in the future.“

    – Nikolous Lewis, December 3, 2022

    Since 2019, XNF has led the effort to connect members of the Lummi and Nooksack Nations with winter recreational activities in the Snoqualmie – Mt Baker wilderness. We supply rides, food, lift tickets, gear, warm clothes, ski lessons and anything else that kids need to have a great time in the mountains.

    Thank you to MadTree Productions for the video creation and opportunity to share more about who we are and where we come from as well as what we do!