As communities across Canada celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, First Tee – Canada chapters are continuing to build meaningful relationships that introduce Indigenous youth to golf and the life skills associated with the game.
Through collaborations with more than 40 Indigenous schools, communities, organizations and golf facilities, First Tee – Canada programs are being delivered in Indigenous communities from coast to coast.
Since its inception in 2021, First Tee – Canada has reached over 13,000 Indigenous youth through school programs, community events, introductory golf clinics and on-course experiences delivered by more than 20 Indigenous First Tee coaches nationwide.
“The success of these programs is a reflection of the trust, leadership and commitment of our Indigenous partners across Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director of First Tee – Canada. “Together, we are creating opportunities for youth to strengthen connections to their communities, develop important life skills and discover golf in welcoming and inclusive environments.”
In British Columbia, First Tee has established numerous partnerships with Indigenous communities, including the Musqueam Nation, Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Williams Lake First Nation, Westbank First Nation and Kamloops First Nation.
This year, First Tee – British Columbia has engaged Indigenous youth through school programming, clinics held during the BC Golf Indigenous Championship and an activation at one of the province’s largest National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, with additional outreach events planned in remote communities throughout the summer.
In Alberta, First Tee collaborates with the 7 Generations Golf Association, Cold Lake First Nations, the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, Alexander First Nation, and schools in Frog Lake First Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation.
For National Indigenous Peoples Day, First Tee – Alberta and the 7 Generations Golf Association are hosting an introductory golf clinic at Redwood Meadows Golf Course for youth from Tsuut’ina Nation, delivered by Indigenous First Tee coaches, including chapter champion Andrew Fox, who help integrate culturally relevant approaches into First Tee’s life skills curriculum.
“First Tee – Alberta and 7 Generations Golf share a powerful mission: to make golf more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous youth,” said Fox. “It’s inspiring to see how our efforts are already making a lasting impact in communities across the province.”
In Manitoba, First Tee – Prairies partners with Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and operates programming at The Players Course, a First Nation-owned golf facility in Winnipeg. The chapter also works with Indigenous coach Darcy Zariwney, who leads First Tee programming for youth from Gladstone and surrounding towns.
In Ontario, First Tee has worked closely with Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) to establish programs in communities including Mattagami First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Akwesasne. In 2026, First Tee – Ontario will further expand its reach through a clinic at the Golf Ontario Indigenous Championship and a new partnership with the Mushkegowuk Council, bringing the program to several remote northern communities.
First Tee – Quebec’s partnership with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation is helping introduce Indigenous youth in Kahnawake to golf through summer camp programming at Mistic Pines Golf Club. The Indigenous-led organization uses sport and education to help develop future leaders within the community, with all associated coaches identifying as Indigenous.
On Canada’s East Coast, First Tee – Atlantic works with Indigenous organizations and schools across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Aboriginal Sport & Recreation New Brunswick and John J. Sark Memorial School.
Across the country, these partnerships are creating accessible, positive experiences for Indigenous youth and families to connect through golf, while developing confidence, perseverance and a sense of belonging.
As First Tee – Canada chapters continue to expand their reach, National Indigenous Peoples Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate not only Indigenous cultures and communities, but also the relationships that are helping shape a more inclusive future for the game across Canada.
To support First Tee – Canada’s mission of building greater inclusion in golf, visit firstteecanada.ca/get-involved.
