Passamaquoddy freestyle skier

Native heritage source of strength for world-class athleteThe glistening slopes of this upscale ski community hosted recent Winter X-Games events, one of which yielded gold for internationally acclaimed freestyle skier Simon Dumont, who won the big air contest.

Dumont, 22, who is of Passamaquoddy heritage, said all Native youth have what it takes to succeed.

“I’d tell them, ‘be strong–don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Do whatever you need to be successful. You have all the tools you need.’”