Nautsa’mawt FC to exit League 1 BC and live on through the Hope and Health Champions Academy
VANCOUVER, BC – Hope and Health announces that they will not renew the League 1 BC license for Nautsa’mawt FC for 2024.
There were many exciting achievements and positive gains throughout the inaugural season; however the overall implementation did not meet its fullest potential and the critical mission of Nautsa’mawt FC is better met with a pivot in a new direction. Even with just one season, the impact will be long lasting for everyone involved and for the broader reconciliation impact.
“The integration of culture into play was amazing. The women’s program’s success was largely in part of the work that was done off the field. Having Indigenous players experience this level of soccer was important to support.”
Highlights from this breakthrough experience for Hope and Health included:
the creation of the brand identity “Nautsa’mawt FC” and the meaningful crest and jerseys designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr.
bringing awareness and inclusion to the talented amazing Indigenous athletes.
educating the general public on the significant history and meaning of soccer as a sport for Indigenous peoples.
utilizing the League 1 BC platform for reconciliation purposes such as: ensuring that all games followed protocols to include land acknowledgements, celebrating Indigenous Peoples Month and Day, sharing Indigenous perspectives on “Canada Day”, contributing to community development projects such as building a playground in Snuneymuxw Nation, contributing to Indigenous player development by participating and leading development initiatives such as “pathway to pro” and community based Hope and Health Community Camps.
educating non-indigenous players and UBC student athletes on reconciliation and sport for reconciliation opportunties and creating a space for Indigenous athletes to represent.
“I think the obvious bright spot for the organization was bringing attention and educating people on Indigenous’ issues. As a player, it definitely opened my eyes to some issues that I may not have realized my Indigenous peers were experiencing, and that gave me new perspective on their lives”
Nautsa’mawt FC’s mission will live on in partnership with BC Soccer and other partners through the Hope and Health Champions Academy and future travel teams. Specific details and plans to follow in the near future.
Hope and Health remains committed to supporting access and development of Indigenous athletes through our various initiatives and to support high potential Indigenous athletes to navigate successfully into spaces and places where they are under represented.
Hope and Health would like to express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the coaches and staff, advisors, supporters, partners and most importantly the players- and their families and communities- who walked this journey with us. We look forward to continue our important work together in the spirit of nautsa’mawt- as one heart, one mind.
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
Hope and Health is best known for their Hope and Health at Home “H3” community-based programming delivered in partnership with Indigenous communities, along with their popular annual community camps delivered in partnership with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, bringing together 300+ Indigenous children and youth for a fun filled day of a blend of soccer skills and drills and cultural activities- with 2023 will being their 10 year Community Camp anniversary (due to the global pandemic).
For partnership interest and media enquiries please contact:
Deana Gill
Co-founder and CEO of Hope and Health
604-388-4673