Celebrating Youth, Sport, and Community at Youth Inspiration Day
April 14, 2025
Black Diamond Group was proud to sponsor and volunteer at the inaugural Canada Sports Hall of Fame Youth Inspiration Day in Calgary from April 3 – 4.
Youth Inspiration Day brought together Indigenous youth from communities across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for a powerful and inspiring experience that honoured Indigenous athletes through the lens of reconciliation by blending storytelling, cultural performances, interactive workshops and sports.
“At Black Diamond Group, we have long believed that sport is a force for good, and we are proud to support initiatives that create a positive impact in the communities where we live and work, with youth, family and amateur sport often at the heart of our commitments,” says Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO of Black Diamond Group. “Events like Youth Inspiration Day are a perfect catalyst to encourage professional and personal skill building, influence growth, encourage confidence and foster pride in youth. The youth’s courage and positivity, and engagement with the event’s mission, was truly inspiring to witness.”
The youth had the unique opportunity to hear from accomplished Indigenous athletes Waneek Horn-Miller, Order of Sport Recipient and Hall of Famer, Michael Linklater, recipient of the Tom Longboat Award, and Amazing Race Canada winners Taylor McPherson and Katie Mulkay.
The powerful stories shared by these keynote speakers served as a source of motivation for the youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Throughout the two-day event, participants also heard from speakers Elder Randy Turning Robe, Brent Dodginghorse, former minor pro hockey player and owner of DH Ranch, Cheryl Bernard, CEO of Canada Sports Hall of Fame, The Impact Society, Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Paul Whitney, and more.
Activation partners AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada, DH Ranch, and Impact Society sparked curiosity and helped build lasting connections with engaging programming.
Participants took part in various sports and team-building exercises that fostered collaboration and camaraderie, including basketball and para ice hockey.
Our Black Diamond Group team members volunteered to support this initiative, demonstrating their dedication to Creating a Better Way in the communities where we work and live.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for their partnership, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, and 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre for providing their incredible hosting venues. We also thank the athletes, advocates, volunteers, and all our partners and sponsors who helped bring this event to life. Your dedication and support are helping shape brighter futures for Indigenous youth across Western Canada. And most importantly, thank you to the resilient youth from over 15 First Nation and Métis communities, who travelled from off the coast of B.C., northern Alberta and Saskatchewan to be a part of the day. Your openness to learn, courage to step into something new, and the energy you brought to the day made it truly unforgettable.
Youth left the event with new skills and connections, as well as practical tools for mental health, physical wellness and personal growth.
Youth Inspiration Day brought together Indigenous youth from communities across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for a powerful and inspiring experience that honoured Indigenous athletes through the lens of reconciliation by blending storytelling, cultural performances, interactive workshops and sports.
“At Black Diamond Group, we have long believed that sport is a force for good, and we are proud to support initiatives that create a positive impact in the communities where we live and work, with youth, family and amateur sport often at the heart of our commitments,” says Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO of Black Diamond Group. “Events like Youth Inspiration Day are a perfect catalyst to encourage professional and personal skill building, influence growth, encourage confidence and foster pride in youth. The youth’s courage and positivity, and engagement with the event’s mission, was truly inspiring to witness.”
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| Trevor Haynes addresses youth, chaperones, sponsors and supporters at Youth Inspiration Day reception, April 3, 2025. |
The youth had the unique opportunity to hear from accomplished Indigenous athletes Waneek Horn-Miller, Order of Sport Recipient and Hall of Famer, Michael Linklater, recipient of the Tom Longboat Award, and Amazing Race Canada winners Taylor McPherson and Katie Mulkay.
The powerful stories shared by these keynote speakers served as a source of motivation for the youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence.
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| Waneek Horn-Miller, Michael Linklater, Katie Mulkay and Taylor McPherson address an eager crowd of youth on April 4, 2025. | ||
Throughout the two-day event, participants also heard from speakers Elder Randy Turning Robe, Brent Dodginghorse, former minor pro hockey player and owner of DH Ranch, Cheryl Bernard, CEO of Canada Sports Hall of Fame, The Impact Society, Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Paul Whitney, and more.
Activation partners AMP Legacy Foundation of Canada, DH Ranch, and Impact Society sparked curiosity and helped build lasting connections with engaging programming.
Participants took part in various sports and team-building exercises that fostered collaboration and camaraderie, including basketball and para ice hockey.
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| (L) Youth participating in a cultural activation led by DH Ranch; (M&R) Youth playing Para-ice hockey and roller hockey, led by AMP (Photo credit: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Digital Collection). | ||
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| Youth test out robots at the welcome ceremony at The Confluence on April 3, 2025. Photo credit: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Digital Collection. | An artist collective of traditional drummers and dancers curated by Brent Dodginghorse, former minor pro hockey player and owner of DH Ranch, perform on April 3, 2025, at The Confluence. |
Thank You!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for their partnership, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, and 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre for providing their incredible hosting venues. We also thank the athletes, advocates, volunteers, and all our partners and sponsors who helped bring this event to life. Your dedication and support are helping shape brighter futures for Indigenous youth across Western Canada. And most importantly, thank you to the resilient youth from over 15 First Nation and Métis communities, who travelled from off the coast of B.C., northern Alberta and Saskatchewan to be a part of the day. Your openness to learn, courage to step into something new, and the energy you brought to the day made it truly unforgettable.Youth left the event with new skills and connections, as well as practical tools for mental health, physical wellness and personal growth.
