Mînî Thnî Community School in the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation has announced a new partnership with the Calgary Alternative Athletic Association to create new opportunities for student athletes. Previously, there was a gap in the competitive athletics opportunities for students at the school between Grades 7 and 9, which slowed athletic development and limited student exposure to organized competition. The CAAA partnership will bring new opportunities for student athletes, create a more structured pathway from elementary to high school sports, and strengthen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Beyond athletics, the initiative is also expected to increase student engagement and community involvement, such as by having families come out to events to support students and strengthen school spirit. “These kids now have a full pipeline of athletic development from elementary school all the way through into high school,” explained Stoney Education Authority Director of Diversified Learning Joey McKillop.
