Saturday, March 9, 2024
Indigenous Tourism Ontario returns for LNHL’s 50th Anniversary in Markham, offering a mix of fun, educational activities for families and showcasing Indigenous careers.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is making a return for their second appearance at the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL), celebrating the league’s 50th Anniversary with tournaments hosted throughout Markham’s local arenas.
ITO has curated a diverse lineup of engaging and informative activities designed to entertain athletes and their families alike. Through a blend of interactive experiences, storytelling, and dialogue, these programs aim not only to impart skills like meal preparation or enhancing a windmill softball pitch but also to expose participants to various career opportunities within the tourism sector, focusing on Experiential, Sport, and Culinary domains.
“On behalf of ITO, we are honoured to support all LNHL’s pillars, but especially Education, by providing all tournament participants the opportunity to experience tourism in a way that will instill new skills, confidence, and pride in everyone involved. We are privileged to help and support this vital event and their exceptional team of dedicated volunteers. We wish to congratulate the founding First Nations of Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Whitefish River, as well as all the past and present participating First Nation communities, families, and players, who have helped the tradition of the Little NHL to grow and thrive since 1971.” – Kevin Eshkawkogan, President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario.
“Congratulations to the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) on celebrating 50 years of providing positive, formative hockey experiences to Indigenous youth from communities across Ontario,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “This year’s inductees to the LNHL Hall of Fame showcase the significant and meaningful contributions that Indigenous communities make to the cultural and economic landscape in our province, and provide an example to tournament participants that will encourage their pursuit of excellence – on and off the ice.” -Minister Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Leading these activations are professionals at the top of their fields: Neil Debassige of Fuel the Fire fame returns to offer archery lessons alongside a captivating VR journey; NHL veterans Jason Simon and Kalley Armstrong are teaming up to elevate hockey skills; Haudenosaunee Lacrosse’s Kevin Sandy will introduce participants to lacrosse fundamentals and its cultural significance; Carey-Leigh Vyse, a Team Canada Softball veteran, will share insights on enhancing baseball capabilities and holistic wellness; Culinary maestros Chef Joseph Shawana and Chef Tawnya Brant, a revered figure from Six Nations and a contestant on Top Chef Canada, will guide hands-on cooking sessions allowing attendees to craft their gastronomic creations.
Don’t miss out on ITO’s second Skode Live Pitch Session on Tuesday evening, showcasing the 2024 Skode finalists as they pitch their Indigenous Tourism ventures before a panel of judges for a chance to win a $20,000 Grand Prize. This initiative is a joint effort with the Tourism Innovation Lab to support and mentor Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, ITO reintroduces the “All-Stars Cup” daily lottery, where participants earn a “stamp” for each activity they engage in, translating into entries for daily prize draws. Prizes include signed NHL jerseys, team apparel, sports equipment, and even Virtual Reality headsets!
Get a preview of these activations at the Opening Day Festival, set to take place at the Markham Civic Centre from 12pm to 7:30pm on Sunday, March 10, 2024. This event will feature free dish samples from Chefs Joseph Shawana and Tawnya Brant, Lacrosse sessions with Kevin Sandy, and Archery with Neil Debassige. ITO staff will also be available to assist with registration for activities scheduled from Monday to Wednesday at the Angus Glen Community Centre and the Centennial Community Centre. The evening will culminate in a mesmerizing drone display that narrates the legacy of the Little Native Hockey League against the backdrop of the night sky.
Monday, April 29, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
