Nanaimo Clipper Alek Sukunda works with members of the Salish Storm, a new First Nations youth hockey program teaching on-ice skills and life lessons. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

LIFE LESSONS

VIDEO: First Nations hockey program connecting sport with traditional teachings

Mar 13, 2022 | 5:17 AM

NANAIMO — An Indigenous-led hockey program has wrapped its first full year on the ice, breaking down barriers for First Nations youth.

The Salish Storm hockey program works with kids aged five to 16 from Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Stz’uminus First Nations on a weekly basis, blending hockey skills with traditional teachings.

Heath Dennison, head coach of the Storm, told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re introducing hockey to kids who may have seen it as not accessible due to cost or cultural hurdles.

“We’re trying to create that passion and desire to come to the rink and try something new. From where we started to where we are now, they’re starting and stopping, they’re turning, they’re shooting whereas before they were tripod skaters or Bambi on ice.”

Participating kids are kitted out with all the required equipment courtesy government grants and local corporate donations.

On the Lake

Training, fundraising take precedence in winter months for Nanaimo Rowing Club

3h ago

clean-up

Locals plan to remove shoreline hazard in Qualicum Beach

Dec 13, 2025

Wings Clipped

Seguin-Lescarbeau and Rimmer lead Clippers to Teddy Bear Toss win

Dec 13, 2025

It means new hockey players only need to show up with the right attitude in order to get onto the ice.

The Storm held their final on-ice session of the season on Wednesday, March 9 at Frank Crane Arena, skating with players from Nanaimo’s university, junior and minor hockey teams.

“(The Storm is) based on the fact you’re coming to the rink to learn something new and just enjoy the game and try to find the desire and passion to play and have fun,” Dennison said.

Dennison said a key message behind the sessions are developing both hockey and life skills.

“When they come through the door, it’s not about the measurement of being the best player on the ice, it’s trying to step outside your comfort zone and understand what it means to fall down and get back up, having someone support you as they are in life.”

Tim Harris is one of the Storm’s many volunteer coaches and a member of Stz’uminus First Nation.

He said the program has already helped a number of families have a positive outlet for both their social lives and mental health.

“The biggest piece for us is using hockey only as the vehicle to better their lives around of healthy living, getting off the reserve, those types of things. Socially our kids need this program too, it’s created a nice family community feel and that wasn’t really planned.”

Players from all of Nanaimo’s hockey teams including junior, minor hockey and the VIU Mariners were at the Salish Storm practice on Wednesday, March 9. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

One of the key elements which makes the Salish Storm program unique is its integration of traditional First Nations language and teachings.

Tsumkwaut, a Snuneymuxw First Nation member said the program helps bridge the Western and cultural words.

“Many of us Indigenous peoples have not been privileged to our own culture and teachings and because of residential schools and foster care, it absolutely hindered the ability of our ancestors to be teaching people like myself…and what we’re striving to do is bring back those teachings.”

Between 25-35 kids took part in sessions once per week after the program initially started as a dry-land ball hockey setup two years ago.

After a brief break, the Storm will return to the lacrosse box in Harewood in May and June, before another pause over the summer ahead of a second season on the ice beginning in September.

The Storm are also looking to grow their idea with neighbouring First Nations along the Salish Sea already expressing interest.

First Nations leaders, including Tsumkwaut (centre) provide a welcome to those participating at the final Salish Storm practice session of the season on Wednesday, March 9. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley