Piikani Nation Bears' Lair Dream Camp - First Nations Health Consortium

Piikani Nation Bears’ Lair Dream Camp

May 3, 2025
Events, News

We are so proud to be a sponsor of the Piikani Nation Bears’ Lair Dream Camp that took place April 25–28, 2025 in Lethbridge, AB

Bears’ Lair Dream Camps are 3-day entrepreneurial training programs for Indigenous youth aged 11-18. They inspire, educate, and empower youth within Indigenous communities and nearby regions.

The camp was co-sponsored by SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger), White Eagle Wellness, and First Nation Health Consortium.

Many thanks to our staff who helped facilitate the camp: Sam Laboucan (Community Liaison), Nathan Phillips (Sports and Recreation Coordinator), Kayla Minde (Administrative Assistant)

The Camp was more than a learning experience; they a bridge connecting the potential of Indigenous youth with the realm of limitless possibilities. In nurturing this young, vibrant segment of the population, the camp is not just shaping individuals; they sculpt the future entrepreneurs of the Indigenous business landscape in Canada.

Founding principals of the Camp:

Create a safe, inspiring space to explore ideas.

Respect and celebrate diversity of ideas and people.

Recognize differences, yet seek common ground.

Promote a healthy spirit of co-opetition.

From conceptualizing and branding a business to understanding market dynamics and financial nuances, interwoven with Indigenous values and protocols of the host territory, ensuring a connection to cultural roots.

The youth that took part in the camps were overjoyed with confidence, creatively embracing the challenges with team spirit and fun. We are so proud of all the participants!

Congratulations to the Winning Team of the Piikani Nation Bears’ Lair Dream Camp: Naatosii Mobile Spa!

“Naatosii” means sun in Blackfoot—and this team is shining bright with their innovative concept for a traveling mobile spa that follows the powwow trail and local events. Their vision? To offer massages, cupping, hot stones, facials, and pain relief services on the go, with a unique twist: while clients wait, the van’s back doors open up to reveal a TV and vintage games for entertainment.

Meet the team:
• Jaimes Big Sorrel Horse – Chief Executive Officer
• Shaden Shade – Chief Operating Officer
• Aawa’kaapikssi Big Sorrel Horse – President of Marketing
• Brielle Young Pine – Manager
• Bentley McMaster – Chief Financial Officer
• Jameson Patrick – Director of Social Impact

Big Dreams, Big Smiles: Zach Whitecloud Makes Special Visit to Treaty 7

A special afternoon at Chief Old Sun Elementary School on Siksika Nation as First Nations Health Consortium proudly partnered with HEROS Hockey and the Calgary Flames to bring Stanley Cup champion and current Flame Zach Whitecloud to visit students and staff.

Weekend of Connection Through Sport

On March 13 & 14th students from three First Nations communities traveled to Calgary to take part in a unique curling experience. Through a floor curling bonspiel at WinSport, they learned the game, competed together, and built new connections all while representing their schools and communities with pride.

Impact Grows When We Collaborate

Healthy Horizons made a generous investment to ensure young people have access to sport and proper equipment. Sport Central continues to steward those resources and place gear directly into the hands of kids who need it most. We helped bridge that connection in the community so everyone involved could be recognized and celebrated.