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September 27, 2024
Canadian charity Hope and Health, which uses sport to engage, educate and empower Indigenous youth locally and in remote communities, has announced the public release of ‘Road to NAIG’ (North American Indigenous Games). The mini-documentary features young leader and athlete, Richard Palmer Thomas, a 2022 recipient of Beyond Sport’s Courageous Use of Sport Award presented by WWE.
Richard is Indigenous of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation which is the unceded territory of Vancouver, Canada. The film, created by Scarlett Sparrow-Felix and Richard, is being released on September 30 in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day in Canada. The day recognizes the atrocities and generational impact caused by the Canadian Indian residential school system. It honors the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational effects of residential schools and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
‘Road to NAIG’ follows Richard as he pursues his dreams to qualify for a BC Soccer club to represent his community and take part in the esteemed NAIG – the world’s Indigenous sports stage. The film not only celebrates his journey but also emphasizes the importance of events like NAIG, fostering cultural pride and providing opportunities for young Indigenous athletes to showcase their talents on prestigious platforms. Produced by Hope and Health with sponsorship from BC Soccer and support from our award, the public release coincides with a live screening at Electronic Arts (EA) headquarters in Redwood Shores, San Francisco, presented by Richard and Scarlett.
“My road to NAIG project was an idea that I had because, with soccer in Canada, Indigenous youth don’t have the exposure that they deserve. So, I decided that I would do a documentary on one of the biggest Indigenous-led events. I just want to show mainstream sports that Indigenous youth are equally, or more skillful and deserve the exposure or opportunities that other youth get..,” said Richard.
Indigenous peoples in Canada have been subject to systemic and interpersonal racism for generations and many are trying to heal from the historic trauma years on. Growing up Richard experienced racism and bullying – from inside and outside his community – on everything from his appearance to his abilities as a player in a mainstream soccer club. He decided to use his trauma to fuel his passion to work even harder to achieve his dreams.
His love for soccer started in 2017 when he came across Hope and Health, their coaches and programming. After volunteering at the organization and being a youth ambassador and coach with them for nearly six years, Richard has become a strong role model. He delivered weekend community camps and youth coaching – often traveling to remote parts of the country to do so – which he believes fosters inclusion and acceptance.
He takes immense pride in supporting young people and educating them on the importance of respect and equality through soccer. Carrying this through to the documentary, Richard is keen to amplify and raise awareness of NAIG and the positive impact it has on Indigenous communities. The film builds on his passion for Youtube and being a presenter.
Through soccer and mentorship programs, Hope and Health works to inspire hope and improve the physical, mental and spiritual health of Indigenous children and youth. It uses sport as a tool for reconciliACTION as part of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action (87-91). The charity envisions a world where Indigenous youth carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big.
Road to NAIG will also be viewable on Hope and Health’s YouTube channel.
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