Awarded amount: $187,500 (1-year contribution)
Location: National project
First Assist was founded on a powerful vision, that all Indigenous youth should have the opportunity to succeed in school, feel proud of who they are, and build a hopeful future. Created by former NHL player John Chabot from Kitigan Zibi, First Assist uses sport as a way to motivate students, strengthen wellness, and reconnect youth with culture and community.
Across many First Nations communities, young people continue to face barriers rooted in the intergenerational impacts of the Residential School system. Understanding these realities, First Assist works in partnership with Elders, Survivors, educators, families, and community leaders to create a culturally grounded approach to learning. Youth must attend school to participate in programming, helping improve attendance and engagement while strengthening relationships between students and school staff.
With support from Future Generations Foundation, First Assist has been able to stabilize long-standing programs and expand its national education and wellness programming across several First Nations communities including Lac Brochet (Manitoba), Grassy Narrows (Manitoba), Chesterfield Inlet (Nunavut), and Teslin Tlingit Nation (Yukon).
Funding helped strengthen staffing capacity, provided consistent coaching and mentorship support, and deepened engagement with families and schools. First Assist now also offers youth-focused leadership development, traditional health teachings, and on-the-land activities that encourage intergenerational learning and knowledge-sharing.
Their programming is rooted in five pillars: Education, Sport, Health, Capacity Building, and Culture. On‑ice and off‑ice learning blend with teachings from Elders, traditional health practices, and activities such as fishing, canoeing, and on‑the‑land knowledge-sharing. Parents and grandparents join in as helpers, mentors, and celebrators of youth achievements, creating powerful intergenerational connections.
By combining academic support with sports and cultural mentorship, First Assist is helping youth achieve in school while reconnecting with identity and community. Thanks to FG Foundation’s funding First Assist is providing transformative experiences that promote resilience, confidence, and long-term success in school and life.
You can learn more about the work we helped support in Grassy Narrows by watching this short video.
To learn more about how we support First Nations organizations and communities in advancing community-led initiatives, cultural revitalization, education, healing, and well-being, visit our Organizational Funding Program page.
