Mikinakoos x WestJet 2025

Mikinakoos Celebrates Five Years of WestJet's Support for Youth Hockey in First Nations Communities

Mikinakoos Children's Fund is pleased to announce that, for the fifth consecutive year, WestJet and their community hockey partners have donated a shipment of youth hockey equipment to support Indigenous children in remote Northern Ontario communities. This year, over 1,300 pounds of hockey gear has been delivered to Bearskin Lake First Nation, helping ensure young athletes have access to safe and reliable equipment.

For many northern First Nations, hockey is a vital part of community life, offering young people connection, confidence, and a healthy outlet. Barriers to participation such as geographic isolation and poverty remain significant, and WestJet's continued generosity helps reduce these gaps while advancing the spirit of reconciliation through consistent and meaningful action.

“Reaching five years of partnership speaks to WestJet's genuine commitment to northern children,” said Stephanie Paxton, Executive Director of Mikinakoos Children's Fund. “Not only does hockey provide valuable life skills and physical recreation; hockey brings joy and belonging to youth across the North, and Westjet's support helps ensure those opportunities remain strong.”

“WestJet is proud to support youth hockey in Bearskin Lake First Nation through the Mikinakoos Children's Fund,” says Clifford Comber, Manager, Materials Eastern Canada, WestJet. “We know how much this sport means to Canadians, and helping ship donated equipment makes a meaningful difference in ensuring more players can get on the ice. We're happy to play a part in keeping the game accessible and thriving in Canada's northern communities.”

Among the gear is 13 brand new sets of hockey equipment and a skate sharpener, making this a gift that will help the community for many years. The equipment has travelled hundreds of kilometres before reaching its final destination, and arrived at a time when communities are preparing for winter recreation programs and local tournaments. Shipping and logistics support were generously provided at no charge through Total One Logistics.

Among the donated gear was a Sparx skate sharpener and 13 brand new sets of hockey equipment supplied by Hope Aero. Other standout supporters include Oakville Canadian Tire #429 and local Oakville hockey teams such as the Oakville Rangers, Oakville Hornets and Milton Winterhawks.

These collective efforts exemplify the strength of community and corporate collaboration, helping to make hockey accessible to youth in underserved regions. This joint effort is a powerful reminder of how community spirit and corporate support can open doors for youth who are too often overlooked.

As part of Mikinakoos' Healthy Living Program, this initiative underscores the importance of equitable access to sport and recreation for First Nations children.

To help empower more northern youth through healthy, active living, please consider supporting their Healthy Living Program. Click here to donate.