Canada Congratulates Little Native Hockey League on its 50th Annual Tournament

News release

March 10, 2024 — Markham, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada understands the important role that cultural and recreational activities play in improving the social fabric of First Nations communities.

We are pleased to support the 50th annual Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) tournament by providing $100,000 so First Nation youth, families, and team staff can participate in the week-long activities.

Reaching the 50-year milestone is no small feat. Year after year, coaches, parents and volunteers put in tremendous amount of work to make this annual tournament a continued success for the players and families.

Congratulations to the past organizers, who had a vision of bringing together First Nation youth to participate in this one-of-a-kind tournament. We also thank the current organizers for continuing the legacy of giving First Nation youth the opportunity to play competitively, making lasting memories and new friends, and learn valuable lessons.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, we wish all teams participating in the 2024 LNHL the best of luck.

Quotes

“Congratulations on 50 incredible years of bringing together young Indigenous hockey players from across Ontario and providing them with the opportunity to play and thrive. Thank you to this year’s hosts, coaches, parents, and volunteers for their time and hard work. The impacts that this tournament has on youth and communities cannot be understated.”

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

The Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) is an annual hockey tournament and cultural festival for Ontario First Nation youth players, and it occurs over the March break each year.
Today, the tournament welcomes approximately 3,500 athletes along with their friends, families, and spectators.
The LNHL tournament was started by the late Earl Abotossaway, former Chief Jim McGregor, the late James D. Debassige, the late Reverend Leonard Self and the late Norman Debassige to bring together athletes in the spirit of four pillars: education, citizenship, sportsmanship, and respect.

Associated links

Little Native Hockey League Website

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Matthieu Perrotin
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
matthieu.perrotin@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca