EVR and Hope and Health announce a new five-year partnership to empower Indigenous youth through sport
“We’re proud to partner with Hope and Health to help create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth and commend them for the important work they do to empower and engage through sport and mentorship.”
VANCOUVER, BC – Hope and Health and Elk Valley Resources (EVR) are happy to announce a new five-year partnership dedicated to advancing opportunities for Indigenous children and youth across British Columbia.
EVR’s partnership investment will directly support Hope and Health’s Nautsa’mawt FC Academy. The Academy connects driven Indigenous youth soccer players across the province with a network of mentors, coaches, and exclusive development experiences applying a “champions for life” holistic development philosophy.
This partnership goes beyond funding—it is an investment in confidence, pride, and leadership through sport. Together, EVR and Hope and Health will work to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth to thrive, dream big, and embrace their potential.
The Nautsa’mawt FC Academy creates spaces of belonging, mentorship, development, access and opportunity for Indigenous athletes within a safe and culturally honoring community. The Academy is delivered virtually and in person, and includes the opportunity to participate in an annual Sport for Development Purpose Tour for team travel and unique adventure-based learning. To learn more about the Academy visit hopeandhealth.org/nautsamawtfcacademy
Through this partnership, EVR’s 2025 investment in the Nautsa’mawt FC Academy will ensure female academy members have the opportunity to travel to Richmond, B.C. to participate in the upcoming Big Fire Summit from November 25 - 28. The Big Fire Summitt is the culminating event of the Fire Keeper Action Leadership Program, which is a 10-month journey. This vital support removes barriers to access and enables young Indigenous women to step into spaces of leadership, vision, and community impact. To learn more about the Big Fire Summit and witness this good work in action, visit Hope and Health on Instagram.
“This partnership with EVR is about more than supporting programs—it is about walking the path of reconcili-action together,” said Deana Gill, CEO of Hope and Health. “We recognize EVR’s commitment to responsible resource development and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. By joining forces, we can demonstrate how the industry can play a vital role in uplifting Indigenous youth—creating opportunities to build pride, confidence, and pathways to achieve their dreams through the beautiful game.”
About Hope and Health
The Hope and Health movement utilizes the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth. Our team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliACTION and social impact in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91) and beyond given the holistic benefits. Our vision is for Indigenous children and youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big. Learn more here: https://www.hopeandhealth.org
About Elk Valley Resources
Elk Valley Resources (EVR) operates four steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley of British Columbia, providing jobs for more than 5,000 people. We are committed to responsible resource development, environmental performance and building strong partnerships with communities and Indigenous Peoples. The high-quality steelmaking coal EVR produces is an input for steel production, used to construct products that can improve the quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, EVR is part of the Glencore Group, one of the world's largest diversified natural resource companies. Learn more at evr.com.
Media Contacts:
Elk Valley Resources
Chris Stannell, Manager, Communications
chris.stannell@evr.com
1.236.484.2241
Hope and Health
Deana Gill
CEO & Co-founder
1.604.388.4673