WIIKWEMKOONG—The Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has received significant funding for the community, specifically for the players and families who are taking part in this year’s Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) tournament in March.
“It is awesome that (through Jordan’s Principle) that this funding ($2.1 million) will be shared by all band members/players who are taking part in the (LNHL),” said Kerry Assiniwe, Wiikwemkooong communications officer.
In a post on the Wiikwemkoong Facebook January 25 Ogimaa Rachel Manitowabi explained, “On behalf of myself and council I am happy to announce to you today very good news for our community; most specifically for all our families who are participating in this year’s Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) in Markham.”
“As a result of a community submission by Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre to Jordan’s Principle for assistance for our Little NHL players and families, we have received an approval,” wrote Ogimaa Manitowabi. “And so, I am pleased to announce that Wiikwemkoong is receiving $2.1 million dollars from Jordan’s Principle.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our Wiikwemkoong teams comprising approximately 240 children/youth players and their families,” said Ogimaa Manitowabi. She explained the funding will help families during Little NHL week with costs such as hockey equipment, hotel stay, meals, mileage, incidentals and registration fees.
“We know the importance of our youth participating in team sports and the positive impact it has on our children/youth and the overall community. We are excited and grateful for this opportunity,” wrote Ogimaa Manitowabi.
Jordan’s Principle is intended to create equitable access to opportunities and resources for Anishinaabe children/youth that will benefit their well-being and development without undue delays or complications. The funds are provided through the federal government.
“As leaders and management in Wiikwemkooong we support our children and youth participation in sports as it can have a wide range of positive impacts on their lives now and moving forward,” continued Ogimaa Manitowabi. “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our community leaders and operations management, and to Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre for leading in submitting the application to Jordan’s Principle for this funding.”
“It’s an extension of the commitment of the Centre, along with community leadership, in doing all we can to find, create and enhance opportunities for our children and youth in their life journeys toward health and well-being,” wrote Ogimaa Manitowabi. “Nishin Wiikwemkoong and good luck to all our Wikwemkoong Little NHL players and families.”
Jordan’s Principle was established in response to the death of five-year-old Jordan River Anderson, a child from Norway House Cree Nation who suffered from Carey Fineman Ziter syndrome, a rare muscular disorder that required years of medical treatment in a Winnipeg hospital. After spending the first two years of his life in a hospital, doctors cleared Jordan to live in a family home near the hospital in Winnipeg. However, the federal and provincial governments could not resolve who was financially responsible for the necessary home care. For over two years, the Government of Canada and Manitoba provincial government continued to argue while Jordan remained in the hospital. In 2005, at the age of five, Jordan died in the hospital; he never had the opportunity to live in a family home.
