First Nations youth head to Europe for hockey tournaments

An AAA hockey team entirely made up of Indigenous athletes held a special send off to recognize their Nations before they left for overseas for competitions.

First Nations hockey players from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are headed to Europe Monday to compete against teams in Czechia and Germany.

Players from the First Nations Voyageurs U16 Elite AA/AAA gathered in Edmonton on Sunday for a send-off ceremony, celebrating the team’s achievements as they begin their journey representing their nations on an international stage.

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Juliann Yellowbird, the team’s manager, said the team is compiled of all young players who are First Nations with treaty status.

“These are the best of the best,” Yellowbird told CTV News Edmonton.

The team was formed after Tobias Monaco of Germany and Kehewin First Nation Chief Gordon John reconnected in 2024. John had previously hosted Monaco for six months as an exchange student.

In the fall of 2024, Monaco and John gathered allies in Canada and Germany to create an annual cultural sports exchange for young First Nations athletes in hockey and other sports.

First Nations and sponsors help the players with funding for equipment and travelling.

But the team is about more than just playing a game.

“The brotherhood that is created with this team is amazing,” said Yellowbird, adding that they include tradition, prayer and ceremony in their play.

Lincoln Kitchemonia of Okanese First Nation, who has been playing Canada’s game since he was six-years-old, said he feels more comfortable playing on an all-Indigenous team.

“You’re more shy when you’re playing with non-Indigenous people,” Kitchemonia said. “Playing with this team, I feel comfortable … there’s a whole different connection.”

Friends, family and community members gathered at the Kihchihkaw Aski Sacred Site to see the 20 players off on their big adventure across the pond.

Easton Houle from Dene Tha’ First Nation said he has never been on a plane, let alone out of the country – but the nervousness is cut with excitement.

“I’m really excited because I get to see the world … not everybody gets that and I’m very grateful for that.”

He said the support from his community at Sunday’s farewell motivates him to accomplish his dreams.

“That’s one thing about our culture, we have a strong community all the time.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg