Connected to their Roots, Trinity Ellis and Theo Downey are an Inspiration to Indigenous Youth

In addition to being elite performers in the world of luge, Trinity Ellis and Theo Downey have similarities.

Both racers are immensely proud of their Indigenous heritage — despite each being at a geographical remove.
A member of the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Newfoundland, Downey grew up in Airdrie, Alta. And Ellis, whose immediate family is based in Pemberton, B.C., has ties to the Métis Settlements in Alberta. 

“It’s something that I’ve been figuring out for myself, what it means to me,” says Ellis, 22. “I always knew that we were Métis, but I didn’t grow up with that community around me. It really wasn’t something we talked about much.
“But as I’m getting older — and as the rest of my family tries to re-connect with that culture — it’s been cool to learn more about it.”

Downey, too, is embracing his heritage.

The 19-year-old and his mother Stephanie smudge at home and actively maintain their connection with nature. For his graduation ceremony at George McDougall High School, he put his long hair into a traditional braid, which fit better under his graduation cap and stood as a tribute to his ancestry.

“I’m very proud of it,” says Downey, adding that his great-grandfather was a respected Elder who is known for reviving the Mi'kmaq art of spruce basket weaving. “And I’m very proud that I’m able to be proud of my heritage, without any sort of backlash.”
For Downey, not surprisingly, National Indigenous History Month in June is something that resonates. He says the annual celebration of history, diversity, tradition, achievement and resilience is incredibly meaningful to him.

“It brings to the forefront an opportunity to learn of the many different Indigenous cultures across Canada,” Downey says. “As well, it presents a reminder of the importance to reflect on the history of Indigenous peoples, both good and bad. History cannot be changed; however, recognition of failings can prevent atrocities from occurring again.” 

Role models in their communities, these two youngsters have become hotshots on the sliding circuit.

Ellis, only a teenager when she raced at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, is a leader on Team Canada. And this past season, Downey not only earned bronze in the team relay at the World Championships on the home course in Whistler, B.C., he reached the podium on back-to-back days in December at the Junior World Cup in France.

 
Despite the remarkable high-performance results, it is never easy — for anyone. “But then to add some of the unique barriers many Indigenous youth face, it becomes all the more of a challenge,” says Downey. “For this reason, I think it’s particularly important to recognize these achievements and celebrate them.”

Ellis points out that access to sport is an issue in Canada, especially for Indigenous youth who often live in remote areas. 
So she makes a sincere effort to serve as a guiding light, to share her journey, to inspire students.

“I’ve connected with the local schools, which has been super cool. It’s so much fun to talk to kids,” says Ellis, who, this past year, started working with Classroom Champions, a mentorship program that draws on the experiences of world-class athletes. “I got to speak at a handful of schools across Canada, mostly Indigenous schools — that’s been another really cool thing. It’s awesome.”
Meanwhile, her own education continues.
 
Ellis recently travelled to Alberta and discovered where her great-great-grandparents are buried. “Our family has been in that area for a long time.” She drove an hour northeast of Edmonton to Métis Crossing and the historic Victoria Trail. “Pretty cool,” she says. “You go to those places and you see photos from the 1800s. You’re like, ‘OK, I’m related to that person.’ Kind of crazy.”
 
Back in Pemberton, her mom Shannon is becoming skilled at beading and making moccasins. “I’m trying to learn from her,” says Ellis.

Other family members are dedicated hunters.

“I feel connected when I’m connecting with the land and nature,” says Ellis. “That’s something that’s always been really important in my life. It’s a really cool way to connect with that culture. We’re hunting and gathering people, so it’s learning about all that, learning from my grandparents.

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“It’s always good to represent where we came from and our history and the community around that.”