A documentary with a Cariboo influence will be making it’s world premiere and release later this month.
“Dirt Relations: the story of the Indigenous Youth Bike Program, will be showing on the opening night of the 2024 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, Friday February 23rd.
The film follows Williams Lake’s Thomas Schoen, along with Patrick Lucas, whom together formed the Indigenous Youth Bike Program (IYMBP) 12 years ago, as they collaborate with Indigenous communities across BC to build trails and empower indigenous youth
“Patrick and I worked really hard over the last 2 years to get this documentary together and off the ground. We really wanted to shine a light on what we’re doing, what our work is all about with Indigenous communities across the province and Canada. With Tom Eustache, a member of the Simpcw First Nation, the three of us really wanted to tell our story how we got together as men, as volunteers, as mountain bikers, as trail builders to form this non-profit program that works with Indigenous communities.”
Schoen said he met Lucas at a Xatsull community meeting 11 years ago.
“I was there to talk about trails and trail development and Lucas had just formed the IYMBP, so I as a trail builder I instantly picked up on his idea and saw this as something that’s very much needed, something I have an interest in and wanted to get involved in,” Schoen said.
After viewing the final production, Schoen said he was thrilled with the way the crew and filmmaker turned into something amazing that is really close to our hearts.
“It feels after working many decades with Indigenous communities the story comes across well, I’m super happy with it. I think this documentary will appeal to a broad viewership. You don’t have to be a mountain biker or trail user. If you have an interest in our beautiful province, or an interest in reconciliation, I think this film will appeal to you.”
Dirt Relations explores the profound impact of mountain biking in fostering community resilience, reclaiming cultural identity, and rebuilding bridges between cultures.