Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program documentary

The BC Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program (IYMBP) is taking their story global with the documentary Dirt Relations: The Story of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program. IYMBP seeks partners to host screenings, aiming to spark conversations about reconciliation and outdoor recreation.

A decade of trail building and reconciliation

For over 10 years, IYMBP has worked with First Nations communities across Western Canada. They build world-class trails and promote healthy, active lifestyles through mountain biking. The program has trained hundreds of Indigenous youth in trail building and engaged them in the sport. With over 100 kilometers of trails built in partnership with dozens of Nations, IYMBP has become a leader in using outdoor recreation to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The story of Dirt Relations

Dirt Relations tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Patrick Lucas, an 8th-generation Canadian, Thomas Schoen, a first-generation Canadian, and Tom Eustache, a Secwepemc man from the Simpcw First Nation. Together, they formed IYMBP to do more than build trails—they aimed to build trust, understanding, and reconciliation.

“Building trails and riding together has given us deep insights into what it means to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples,” said Patrick Lucas, IYMBP’s Executive Director.

“Trail building is a powerful tool for reconciliation,” added Thomas Schoen. “When you work side by side, talking about the past and the pain, it builds bonds like nothing else.”

Tom Eustache shared, “Patrick and Thomas earned my trust because they didn’t just talk—they came out and built trails. They were among the few who kept their promises.”

A call for action and progress

Dirt Relations highlights the ongoing work to make reconciliation a reality. The film’s stories remind us why continuing this work is so important. Hit up the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program website for screenings throughout North America.