+34
Celebrity athletes Jordan Nolan and Liam Gill talk to CBC Kids News about why they want to inspire the next generation of Indigenous youth.
When former pro hockey player Jordan Nolan was a kid, he didn’t have to look very far for a role model.
“My dad was one of the first ones to leave his community and one of the first ones to play and coach in the NHL,” said Nolan, who is Ojibway from Garden River First Nation in Ontario. “He went through a lot in his life and fought through a lot of adversity, so I've always looked up to him.
” Nolan is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014, and again with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
“I think it's extremely important and empowering to have a role model. I'm honored to be that for the next generation,” he said. Liam Gill grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and is Dene from Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation, Northwest Territories. Olympic snowboarder Liam Gill gets some major air on a half pipe while competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Bejing, China.
Earlier this month, CBC Kids News contributor Warren Huson spoke to the two athletes in Edmonton, Alberta, at From Roots We Rise, a youth gathering presented by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2023, Gill launched a program called Liam and Friends. It invites young people from the Northwest Territories and rural Alberta to snowboard and train with him, covering all of their expenses.
“Snowboarding helped me a lot,” he said. “Just to watch other kids have the same outlet and use it for their own benefit was truly special. ” Jordan Nolan, pictured here playing for the Los Angeles Kings in 2017, is a three-time Stanely Cup winner. The other two Nolans are his dad, Ted, and his brother, Brandon, who played six games for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
The 3Nolans hockey school helps First Nations kids learn hockey skills, but also how to live healthy lifestyles and become leaders in their communities.
“I think for kids to see someone like Liam or myself playing the sports we love, I think that inspires kids and teaches them to work for something — whether that's sports, schooling, or whatever you want to do. ”CBC Kids News Contributor Warren is a Grade 11 student from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He lives and breathes music and produces and writes his own songs. He also loves playing video games.2024-06-11 06:05
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The 2026 President's Cup: How to watch the golf tournament, tee times, TV channel, streaming schedule, and moreHow to watch the 2026 Presidents Cup
Read more »
Most Albertans oppose separation as referendum nears: Ipsos pollWatch Most Albertans oppose separation as referendum nears: Ipsos poll Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
Read more »
‘Some of the best’: Halifax festival displays work from Indigenous and artists of colourA nine-day festival celebrating Indigenous artists and artists of colour is set to kick off in Halifax this Saturday.
Read more »
As tariffs hit art, Indigenous artists face frustrating roadblocks and a sputtering art marketTrade war with U.S. disrupts not just income stream, but hurts cross-border ties central to First Nations, Metis and Inuit creators
Read more »