Rose Archie
Vancouver, British Columbia
Secwépemc First Nation
Growing up, skateboarding was a way for Rose to focus on the positive in life and dream of what her future could look like. Now, she travels to different First Nations communities across Turtle Island with Nations Skate Youth to talk about mental health and the value of having a passion.
The politics of skateboarding and punk empowered Rose and became an outlet for her frustration with the government and colonialism, which was shaped by the Gustafsen Lake Stand-off in 1995. Lasting more than 30 days, the conflict raised tensions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the region. The racism and name calling Rose experienced in public schools is something she still remembers and knows there is still a lot of work to be done.

After moving to Vancouver, Rose knew she wanted to give back to her community. It took a couple of years, and some inspiration from Skate Like A Girl, but she found her first project: organizing skateboarding competitions for women.
“I want to be that person that I didn’t have when I grew up. I want to be that girl who wants to include everybody.”

Inspired by Joe Buffalo, the first Indigenous skateboarder she met, she focuses on living a sober life and connecting with her culture, something she encourages youths to practice.
Rose is committed to making skateboarding a more diverse and welcoming environment that supports the next generation. She wants Indigenous youth to be proud of who they are and where they come from. To be reminded of how far their people have come.
