Sandy, Moose Cree have Right to Play

Youth in Sandy Lake and Moose Cree First Nations will be hitting the ice this winter to receive hockey lessons and compete in hockey games.
The youth will be participating in the Promoting Life-skills for Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) pilot project under the Right to Play program. The program was announced Nov. 29.
“Promoting Life-skills for Aboriginal Youth is making a positive impact in the lives of young people in these First Nations communities, helping them improve their health and gain the life skills they need to succeed,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley.
“We are very fortunate to be working with Right To Play and our other partners to deliver this innovative program.”
The program aims to help Aboriginal youth improve their health, self-esteem and leadership skills through participation in sport and play activities.
A key component of the program is building leadership through volunteer work.
It also encourages relationship building with other members of the community.
“We are very inspired by the success of this program so far,” said Johann Olav Koss, president and CEO of Right to Play.
“The Promoting Life-skills for Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program has already engaged nearly 500 First Nations youth thanks to the leadership of the communities where we are working.
“We are seeing a generation of young leaders and active community members develop and we are excited to be able to bring a sport as Canadian as hockey into the fold.”
The PLAY program was introduced in Moose Cree and Sandy Lake First Nations in July 2010. Both communities report increased participation among youth and fewer incidents of vandalism and suicide since the program started.
During the ceremony, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn was also welcomed as the newest of 350 athlete ambassadors for Right to Play.