The Little NHL, A Long Running Celebration Of Indigenous Hockey

One of the year’s top events for Indigenous athletes, the Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL) won’t run this year, as is the case with most sporting events, but the LNHL is a unique and incredible event.

Started in 1971, the Little NHL was set to celebrate its 49th year this season before the coronavirus forced the tournament to be cancelled.

The tournament was scheduled to run from March 15 to 19 in Mississauga, Ontario.

During the tournament’s first season, 17 teams and 200 players competed. Currently, more than 210 teams and over 2000 players participate, including those from Walpole Island and Moraviantown.

The tournament, which celebrates Indigenous people and sport, has also brought to light issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada.

In a statement released by Little NHL organizers announcing the cancellation of the 2020 event, Chief Scott McLeod of Nipissing First Nation had this to say, “The decision is regrettable, but unavoidable in light of the serious health risks associated with large public gatherings and the speed at which the coronavirus is spreading.”

“The last thing we want is to see this virus spread to any First Nation communities, especially those that have limited access to health facilities and already face pre-existing socio-economic challenges.”

We look forward to seeing a vibrant and successful Little Native Hockey League tournament return for the 50th anniversary of this event in 2020.