'This is their safe place': Hockey program breaks barriers for Indigenous kids
A program that started in Nanaimo five years ago that teaches Indigenous kids how to play hockey is so popular that it’s expanding.
Salish Storm is a non-profit that breaks down barriers to the expensive sport, while incorporating Indigenous teachings.
“We weren’t seeing Indigenous children in minor hockey and so we started to think about what are the barriers that might be keeping them from accessing hockey,” said Salish Storm co-founder Dayna Miles.
The program provides free hockey equipment and coaching for youth between the ages of 6 and 18. Some of the gear is thanks to a sponsorship from the NHL Players’ Association, which donated 25 full sets.
Every practice begins with drumming and cultural teaching from a knowledge keeper or elder.
“They need to learn and walk through both worlds,”—Indigenous and Western—said knowledge keeper Leanor Hampton at Frank Crane arena in Nanaimo.
Head coach Heath Dennison told CTV News, “Whether they are a new player or an advanced player, we try to recognize the enjoyment of it all and the excitement and the love of the game.”
As for the members of Salish Storm, “I like being on a team with other players,” said Gabriel.
“I want to learn how to skate with hockey skates, and I think it will be fun,” Navah said.
Miles said Salish Storm gives players a sense of confidence and identity, while also providing emotional support during tough times.
“We’ll have kids who are maybe going through major losses, but they don’t want to miss Salish Storm; this is their safe place,” she said.
Since its inception in Nanaimo, Salish Storm has expanded to Cowichan and Saanich, and just began training skaters this week in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside as part of a collaboration with the Vancouver School Board.
With files from CTV News Vancouver Island's Andy Garland
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live election results: Trump retakes the White House, defeats Harris by winning key swing states
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, clearing the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.
Trump wins the White House in a political comeback rooted in appeals to frustrated voters
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
'Canada will be absolutely fine': Justin Trudeau, his ministers and Pierre Poilievre congratulate Donald Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of his cabinet congratulated Donald Trump Wednesday morning on his second United States presidential election win, amid questions about how the federal government intends to navigate a second term.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Donald Trump has a long enemies list, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on it
In his column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says Donald Trump's icy relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could aggravate what already promises to be a very difficult situation for Canada, socially, economically and environmentally.
Kamala Harris made a historic dash for the White House. Here's why she fell short.
It was a moment that encapsulated one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign – which, in the end, proved insurmountable. A country crying out for change got a candidate who, at a crucial moment as more voters were tuning in, decided to soft-pedal the change she knew she represented.
Woman's killing by male partner in Nova Scotia all too familiar: researcher
As police investigate the killing of a 71-year-old woman in Nova Scotia by her male partner, the head of an Ontario research group on violence against women says the situation is all too familiar.
Harris to concede defeat to Trump in evening speech, sources tell Reuters
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a speech conceding defeat in the presidential election to Donald Trump at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT) on Wednesday, two sources told Reuters.
Liam Payne body moved from British cemetery in Buenos Aires on way to airport: cemetery source
The body of pop star Liam Payne, who died in Buenos Aires last month, has been taken from the city's British cemetery on route to the airport, a senior cemetery source said on Wednesday, signalling the former One Direction singer's likely repatriation.
Various popular brands of bread and buns have been recalled in Canada
Dozens of popular brands of bread have been recalled in Canada after pieces of metal were discovered in some of the products.