Sports & Recreation

In August 2023 the FNHC launched a Sports and Recreation Pilot Project to bring physical activity opportunities to Indigenous communities throughout Alberta in partnership with communities and supporting organizations.

Currently, the FNHC is working with a number of supportive organizations to bring Hockeyball, Curling, Soccer and Volleyball to your community!

Communities and Nations are not required to pay any costs to run these activities, the FNHC works with our partners to cover the cost of equipment.

Communities do require a program leader or youth volunteer/mentor to oversee the program in the community, as well as participate in occasional check-ins and a basic activity feedback summary.

We would like to thank our partners for supporting this work!

HEROS Hockey, Egg Farmers of Canada and Curling Canada, Rock Solid Productions Inc.Soccer Alberta and Volleyball Alberta. 

‘FloorCurl’ is a unique curling program for schools, community and recreation centres, and can be played by all ages and abilities just about anywhere with a flat surface.

Create weekly team leagues, activities or drop-in programs for all ages, or bring curling into your school classes, introducing a new sport through classroom educational curriculum and fun intramural challenges.

Equipment provided includes curling stones, target mats and adaptive pushing sticks.

To learn more about FloorCurl and how you can get involved, visit the FloorCurl by Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings Curling webpage here!

FloorCurl is supported by Egg Farmers of Canada, Curling Canada and Rock Solid Productions Inc.

Watch a video on the 2022 FloorCurl Activation Event here to see how it’s played!

‘HEROS Hockey’ combines elements of floor, street and ball hockey, and can be played on indoor and outdoor playing surfaces. 

HEROS Hockey offers an accessible, skill-enhancing, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traditional hockey. It’s a fast-paced game that kids of all skill levels can learn and play.

HEROS Hockey gets young people moving, working together and teaches teamwork, creativity and resilience.

Provided equipment includes hockey sticks, balls, youth jerseys. nets, and a hockey bag.

Visit the HEROS Hockey webpage here for more information! 

HEROS Hockey supports this program.

We’re excited to announce our initiative to incorporate Indigenous languages from across Alberta into the design of HEROS Hockey Hockeyball sticks. This pilot project aims to empower Indigenous youth by providing them with tools to overcome adversity through sport. In line with this goal, we’ve thoughtfully designed the hockey sticks to reflect that commitment.

To learn more about the phrases utilized in the design, visit the HEROS Hockey page here!

‘Kick & Fun’ is an accessible and engaging soccer experience available to communities.

Using a modified soccer format, Kick & Fun enhances participation, skill development, and enjoyment for all players, regardless of skill level.

Kick & Fun is a simple setup that makes it easy to bring to communities and organize games in limited spaces.

Equipment includes a travel box, nets, balls, flags/pinnies and cones

Visit the Kick & Fun webpage here! 

Kick & Fun is supported by Soccer Alberta.

‘Smashball’ is an adaptable, accessible, skill-building volleyball program that can be played both indoor or outdoors.

The game can be played in any combination of participants, promoting active engagement of all age and skill levels.

Smashball includes 12 volleyballs and 2 portable net systems that allow for flexibility in usage, enabling expansion into other sports like badminton and pickleball.

Also included is access to flexible training for community leaders as well as access to a training app and videos. 

Visit the Smashball webpage here! 

Smashball is supported by Volleyball Alberta.

Why bring these sports to your community?

♦   Easy Setup and Implementation: Structures allow for quick and efficient setup, even in limited spaces.

♦   Flexible Formats: Adaptable to different group sizes and community needs, ensuring all participants can enjoy the game.

Pilot Project Criteria:

  1. To bring these activities to your community you must be:
    1. A Indigenous community or organization in Alberta.
    2. A program leader, youth leader, mentor or volunteer willing to lead these activities; and 
    3. Have leadership approval (Such as: Education Directors, Youth Directors, Recreation Directors, Chief and Council, etc.).
    4.  

Steps to bring these sports to your community!

Step 1: Fill out the Sports & Recreation inquiry form on our website or paper version.

Step 2: FNHC Sports and Recreation Coordinator will connect with you and provide an information package.

Step 3: With eligibility criteria confirmed, complete the program agreement form sent by our staff.  

Step 4: After agreement is in place, our staff will work with you on your start-up checklist, as well as equipment delivery, training opportunities, and rollout.

Step 5: Participate in a brief feedback process to report on progress and improve the FNHC Sports & Recreation Pilot Project.

Thank you to our partners!

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!