By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Three young women from Oliver and Osoyoos will represent their nations, hometowns and their province in the upcoming 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).
The event, set to kick off Sunday, May 4 in Kamloops, brings together the top U18 Indigenous hockey players from across the country for a week of elite competition, cultural celebration, and community pride.
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) hosted its Team BC Player Selection Camp from March 28-30 in Burnaby. Over 150 elite Indigenous men’s and women’s hockey players participated in the three-day process, with twenty men and twenty women selected to play for Team BC.
“These players will not only represent BC, but they will also proudly represent their Indigenous Nations and communities at this prestigious national championship,” I∙SPARC said.
Preston Gabriel and Samera Gabriel, both from Oliver and Danica Maynard from Osoyoos were among the 20 young women chosen for the U18 female Team BC from across the province. While the two Gabriels are representing the Osoyoos Indian Band/Syilx Nation, Maynard is representing the Métis Nation.
Danica Maynard holds the coveted U18 Women’s World Championship cup in Finland after Team Canada beat the Americans 3-0 in the final in January 2025.
Contributed photo
“Congratulations to the talented athletes selected to represent Team BC! This year’s roster showcases the best Indigenous hockey players from across the province, continuing our program’s long history of success,” said Rick Brant, CEO of I·SPARC.
“Competing for two national titles in Kamloops, on the territory of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, is an incredible opportunity, and we are excited to see our two teams compete in front of a passionate home crowd.”
Over 500 athletes, families, and fans will gather to cheer on their teams while celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions that make this tournament unique.
Supported by the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) – a collective of Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs) – the hockey championships serve as the premier national event for Indigenous youth hockey in Canada, offering a platform for athletic excellence, community building, and cultural connection.
“The NAHC continues to be a cornerstone event that celebrates Indigenous excellence on the ice while also promoting leadership, pride, and connection among youth and communities,” says Krista Hodder, Senior Coordinator of Programs & Events at the Aboriginal Sport Circle.
Hosted at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre and the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, the tournament kicks off with Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, followed by six days of round-robin and playoff action in both male and female divisions.
Games begin Monday, May 5 at 9 a.m., with matchups running throughout each day, leading up to the highly anticipated medal rounds on Saturday, May 10 at the Sandman Centre.
Bronze Medal Games:
10 a.m. – Male Division
1 p.m. – Female Division
Gold Medal Games:
4 p.m. – Male Division
7 p.m. – Female Division
The NAHC Local Host Committee expressed its pride in bringing a full cultural program to the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, showcasing the rich traditions of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.
This program will feature singing, dancing, traditional games, and hands-on crafts, giving participants “a unique opportunity to engage with Secwépemc culture and take home a meaningful keepsake from their time in Secwepemcúlecw.”
The NAHC also highlighted that the tournament is free to attend and it also welcomes school groups and classes to attend games as part of a field trip experience.
“It’s a unique opportunity for students to witness high-level competition while engaging with Indigenous culture and sport.” Those interested can reach out to [email protected].
The tournament features six male and six female teams from across Canada, including representatives from Eastern Door & the North, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
During the 2024 Championships in Grande Prairie, Alberta, both BC’s teams were awarded bronze medals for their efforts. One year later, both teams have their sights set on medal contention as they compete against the best First Nations, Inuit, and Métis hockey players across the country.
For full schedules, team information, and more event details, visit nahc2025.com .
