Indigenous Canadian role models teach northern kids to be community leaders during annual hockey camp

July 24, 2019

Whitehorse, YT – School may be out for summer, but classes are back in session this week for more than 100 minor hockey players at the 17th annual ‘Learning to Lead’ hockey camp in Whitehorse. Presented by the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association (YFNHA) and Northwestel, this year’s camp features several indigenous VIPs acting as instructors for the kids, including National Hockey League (NHL) pros Brandon Montour and Arron Asham.

Montour, an active defenseman with the Buffalo Sabres, is of Mohawk descent and joined the league in 2014. Asham, who is Metis, played for six different teams over 15 years in the NHL. This will be his second time attending the ‘Learning to Lead’ camp.

Head instructor Joe Martin has been running the camp in Whitehorse for several years. Martin notes that each instructor brings a unique background and skillset to camp – something he says is sure to give the kids a well-rounded experience.

“I'm excited to be in Whitehorse this week to work with our amazing staff. Our goal is to have all our young participants learn a few skills, make some new friends, challenge themselves and leave every day with a smile. Thank you to Northwestel and Yukon First Nations Hockey Association for sharing the same vision.”

Joining the NHL pros as VIP instructors this year are Cree First Nations woman and former Mrs. Universe Ashley Callingbull, Blackfoot man and East Coast Hockey League pro Wacey Rabbitt, and lacrosse goaltender Nathan Wilson – a member of the Tsawwassen First Nation.

“Northwestel is committed to building a stronger northern community through support for indigenous and youth sports programs, like the annual ‘Learning to Lead’ hockey camp. We want to thank Joe Martin and the YFNHA for their hard work providing our kids with a unique and valuable learning experience right here in the North.” said Andrew Pothier, Northwestel’s VP of Network and IT.

The 2019 ‘Learning to Lead’ hockey camp brings in professional athletes and role models to facilitate, coach and inspire minor hockey players from the North so that they can become better teammates, friends and leaders in their own community. This year’s camp runs from July 22-26, 2019, at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse.

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Contact:
Matt Wallace
External Communications, Northwestel
867-334-2521
mwallace@nwtel.ca

Joe Martin
Head Instructor, Learning to Lead hockey camp
250-936-8875
joecjmartin@hotmail.com

Karee Vallevand
Camp Coordinator, Yukon First Nations Hockey Association
867-334-6548
yihahockey@gmail.com