BC Hockey provides coaches with tools to better support Indigenous youth

The module is split up into three portions: the holistic approach to participation, which looks at the physical, spiritual, cultural and intellectual pieces with sport; racism in sports and finally individual and community health and wellness.

Randy Henderson, BC Hockey’s Past President and Board Chair, believes workshops like the one held over the weekend inside the Courtyard by Marriott Prince George are important to make arenas and facilities across the province welcoming to all peoples.

“Although we promote we want them safe and fun, if we aren’t respecting all of the cultures that come to the arena; we’re failing,” stated Henderson. “I think the key item is helping to instil in the coaches the respec and the traditions and cultural background some of these players and parents come from.”

When Henderson was on the Board of Directors for Hockey Canada, the Prince George resident sat on a committee focused on diversity and equity, which prompted some changes from the Hockey Canada perspective, and Henderson has been working with BC Hockey to ensure the province if a frontrunner on creating change within the sport.

“What we’ve got to do is recognize Canada has a history, British Columbia has a history,” said Henderson. “Bringing knowledge to coaches, parents, players, is really important in helping the general public to understand that where we’re at now, we have to examine where history has been.

by Ethan Ready

BC Hockey provides coaches with tools to better support Indigenous youth

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