The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is pleased to announce its participation in a new joint initiative in partnership with the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO) and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee to enhance police support for the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Tournament, taking place from March 9-13, 2025, in Markham.
As part of this initiative, the OPP has joined various municipal and First Nation police services in placing “Proud Supporter of the LNHL” decals on police vehicles to promote and show support for the LNHL Tournament and its participants.
“We are excited to be a part of this new initiative to promote and support the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL),” stated Superintendent Gary Maracle, Ontario Provincial Police, Indigenous Policing Bureau, in a media release.
“The OPP had the honour of attending and participating in LNHL 50th Anniversary events in 2024, and we are thrilled to amplify our support for First Nation youth athletes in 2025 through this joint initiative with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee and the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO). As a former LNHL coach and current parent, I am especially happy to take the lead in increasing our engagement with this fantastic event.”
The LNHL is the largest annual ice hockey tournament for First Nation youth in Ontario. In 2024, the LNHL hosted approximately 250 teams and 3,400 players, with over 10,000 family members attending the event. The LNHL’s pillars – education, citizenship, sportsmanship, and respect – align closely with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and other reports and recommendations that aim to advance truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
“The Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Tournament is an event like no other, bringing together thousands of participants from First Nations across Ontario to showcase their hockey talents and exemplify our four pillars – Education, Citizenship, Sportsmanship and Respect,” stated Chico Ralf, President, Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Executive, in a media release.
“It is wonderful to see Ontario’s provincial, municipal and First Nation police services promoting and supporting our LNHL athletes and their families.”
The LNHL Tournament offers a unique opportunity for police services to engage in meaningful community outreach and foster positive relationships with Indigenous youth. Throughout the tournament, OPP members will be attending various participating arenas to cheer on athletes and demonstrate their commitment to building strong, supportive and safe communities. For more information, visit lnhl.ca.
