This spring, youth from across Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities will be in Fort William First Nation for a unique hockey tournament. Learn more about what makes it special and what participants can look forward to.Two players compete in last year's Tournament of Hope in Thunder Bay, Ont., this year's event is set for early in April and should be bigger than ever.
Semple was approached two years ago by First Nation leaders in the area to see if there was anything he can do to help address the ongoing suicide and mental health crises for First Nations youth. Semple wants the tournament to open up those conversations and use sport as a way to bring people together. One way of doing that, he said is to make free and non-competitive so everyone comes out just to have fun.Ontario sends Nishnawbe Aski Nation $2.6M for mental health and addictions support
Youth from several communities in the region are expected to arrive, and Semple says other First Nation communities from across Canada are interested in coming. Organizers surveyed to the participants from last year and developed some new programming geared to them.