Inspiration on ice

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This article was published 03/04/2022 (1412 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HEADINGLEY — Within moments of stepping on the ice at a camp for Indigenous youth, Lexie Nepinak bumped into a role model who’s overcome adversity and achieved her dreams at the highest level.

Clutching a hockey stick, Nepinak, 13, shared a laugh with Jocelyne Larocque, and took pointers from the two-time women’s world hockey champion and three-time Olympic medallist on an outdoor rink at Camp Manitou in Headingley.

Nepinak, who is from Pine Creek First Nation, is one of more than 40 Indigenous children from northern or remote communities taking part in weekend activities organized by the Winnipeg Jets WASAC (Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre) and Manitoba Moose Follow Your Dreams initiative.

“It’s important for these kids to have these opportunities,” said Larocque, 33, who is of Métis heritage and was the first Indigenous female ice hockey player at the Winter Olympics. “This program tries to make hockey inclusive for everyone and accessible for everyone.”

Nepinak, who goes skating every chance she gets at Pine Creek’s arena, was looking forward to meeting Larocque, a member of the Canadian women’s team that won gold at the Beijing Games in February, and other instructors.

“I like being (on the ice) with my friends and hanging out with them,” Nepinak said of her love of skating.

In addition to Larocque, the youth got a chance to skate alongside former NHLers Trevor Kidd, who is of Métis heritage, and Jason Simon, who is from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Ontario.

Participants travelled from northern communities such as Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Duck Bay and Pauingassi First Nation.

The initiative by True North Sports and Entertainment also involved a yoga session with instructor Reid Davies, who is Métis, and presentations as part of Project 11, a mental health awareness and support program created in memory of former Jets and Moose player Rick Rypien.

Larocque, who is from Ste. Anne, was encouraged by the number of girls taking part, and admired the courage of the children who were learning to skate or were sharpening their skills.

Many girls stop playing hockey when they reach their adolescent years, she said.

“Any time I can give back to the sport that’s done so much for me, I feel privileged to,” said Larocque. “(Hockey) teaches you so many life lessons, and you create so many friendships.”

In northern Manitoba, opportunities can be limited due to a lack of resources or facilities, long distances between communities and the expensive costs of hockey and travel.

The purpose of the weekend camp is to empower the children and give them memorable experiences that stay with them for a lifetime. It was the first time the camp has been held in two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For a lot of these kids, this will be their first time in spaces like this. When they get into these spaces they see Indigenous role models, people who’ve had success at the highest levels and do important work in the community,” said WASAC co-founder Kevin Chief. “It’s irresponsible of us to ask any young person to overcome hardship and challenge unless you show them role models who’ve done it.

“We want young people to feel proud of who they are and proud of where they’re from. I think, after this weekend, that’s exactly how they’re going to feel.”

Chief said the weekend has taken on additional significance following Pope Francis’ apology for the conduct of Roman Catholic Church members and abuses of Indigenous children at church-run residential schools.

“Many of these children are descendants of residential school survivors,” he said. “It makes the weekend feel even more special.”

The group attended Saturday night’s Winnipeg Jets game at Canada Life Centre, where the club hosted the Los Angeles Kings, as part of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone program, which promotes diversity and a safe and inclusive environment within the sport.

Before the game, O Canada was sung in Cree, and a song by Boogey the Beat and the all-female Southern Thunderbird Medicine Drum Group was played.

Nepinak was excited to take in her first Jets game and see some of the world’s best players, including her favourite Jets, in person.

The youth will be back at the arena for Sunday’s action, as the Manitoba Moose face the Toronto Marlies.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @chriskitching