Creation Story
Hope and Health for Life Society was not created from a single idea, organization, or individual.
It was created through relationships. Since 2012, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have come together with a shared commitment:
To improve the health, wellness, leadership, and capacity of Indigenous children, youth, and communities through sport.
From the very beginning, this work has been grounded in trust—built over time through listening, showing up, and walking alongside each other in a good way.
Hope and Health exists because people choose to do things differently.
We choose to build relationships before programs. We choose to create space for Indigenous youth to lead.
And we choose to commit—long term—to the work of reconciliation, not just in words, but in action.
Our Foundations
Our work is guided by key frameworks and foundational documents that affirm Indigenous rights, health equity, and the power of sport as a tool for development and reconciliation.
We align with:
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
— particularly those related to health, education, and sport.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
— affirming Indigenous self-determination, cultural continuity, and community-led development.
Indigenous sport and wellness leadership, including the Aboriginal Sport Circle and Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council.
Global sport for development principles that recognize sport as a powerful tool for connection, healing, leadership, and opportunity.
These are not just frameworks we reference—they are commitments we live through our work, relationships, and programs.
What We've Achieved
To date, over 10,000 Indigenous children and youth have attended Hope and Health Annual Community Camps across communities in BC.
Over 75+ member nations represented across the Hope and Health initiatives.
9 “Be the Change” Mini-Pitches have been installed across communities (Penelakut, Snaw-Naw-As, Stz’uminus, Tla’amin, Snuneymuxw, Ts’uubaa-atasx, Sts’ailes, Cowichan Tribes and Malahat).
600 children and youth annually receive a stocking filled with essential items, educational toys/books and treats through our “Santa on the Pitch” initiative.
Second Generation Hope and Health Logo
Our second generation Hope and Health logo is an original design by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. created to reflect the positive and uplifting impact for the Aboriginal children and youth involved in Hope and Health.
The eagle represents strength love and harmony, using these qualities to lift our children in a positive and healthy manner.
The picture of the child’s face reflects the joy they experience with being at the centre of our community and feeling loved and inspired.
The open wings and top represent each and every child’s potential to achieve greatness in his/her life and to utilize adversity to learn and develop strength and resiliency.
The intent behind this second generation logo is that it will better fit Hope and Health's strategic direction in utilizing multiple platforms - beyond soccer - to build resiliency and leadership with Indigenous children and youth.
First Generation Hope and Health Logo
Our original Hope and Health logo was designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. created to reflect the positive impact of soccer for the Aboriginal children and youth involved in Hope and Health.
The eagles represent strength, courage and personal leadership that comes from being active on the pitch and in being open to the mentorship offered through the Hope and Health experiences.
The picture of the child’s face reflects the joy they experience with being at the centre of our community and feeling loved and inspired.