Team BC Announces Partnership with The Reach Group for 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
Press Release
Traditional Territory of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Tribes / Duncan B.C. (May 5, 2025) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) is proud to announce a new sponsor partnership with The Reach Group, a leading Indigenous consulting firm, based in Kamloops, BC. This exciting collaboration supports Team BC’s participation in the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) and reflects a shared commitment to supporting Indigenous communities across the province.
As part of this partnership, The Reach Group will serve as an official corporate sponsor of Team BC’s 2025 Hockey Program, providing financial support to I·SPARC in its ongoing commitment to Team BC’s participation at the NAHC.
Founded by Leonard Jackson in 2016, The Reach Group is an assembly of like-minded commercial enterprises who have made the pursuit of reaching for reconciliation, generational advancement of Indigenous community, and economic prosperity for Indigenous peoples paramount to their business pursuits and endeavours.
The Reach Leadership Team is comprised of a hyper focused, small and versatile team of professionals with unparalleled experience in Indigenous engagement and inclusion efforts. These practitioners walk in two worlds: within the historical and cultural contexts of our ancestors, and within the corporate world that has formed their business acumen and informed their professions. It is the merging of these two perspectives that allows Reach to advocate and negotiate fair outcomes; build capacity; and remove barriers to community and economic growth with only the strongest and most responsible Commercial and Industry partners.
“The Reach Group envisions a Canadian economy where inclusion practices are the foundation of a reconciled marketplace where Indigenous enterprise and Indigenous economies thrive,” said Leonard Jackson, Senior Partner of The Reach Group. “We understand that the continued growth of such economies and the strengthening of Indigenous communities is dependent on the success of our youth. Sport is a conduit to such success and helps to establish the foundational characteristics required of the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Our hope is that in some small way, our donation to Team BC helps to create a path to success for these athletes, now and well into the future.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome The Reach Group as an official sponsor of our Team BC 2025 Hockey Program,” said Rick Brant, CEO of I·SPARC. “Their commitment to building strong, collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership not only helps us deliver a comprehensive support program for our elite hockey players as they compete for national titles, but it also serves to strengthens the broader support network for Indigenous sport in British Columbia.”
The NAHC will be hosted on the traditional territories of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops, BC, from May 5-11th, 2025. Team BC Men and Women open their tournaments on Monday, May 5th against Manitoba, and Eastern Door-North (Québec), respectively.
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About the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC)
The NAHC, founded by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and sanctioned by Hockey Canada, is the premier forum for elite U18-age Indigenous hockey players from across Canada. It is the only annual national event that showcases and celebrates the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country, and aids in fostering cultural unity and pride. Team BC is represented by a men’s and women’s team, featuring the top players from across the province. For more information about the 2025 NAHC, visit www.nahc2025.com.
About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.
For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca. To discuss future sponsorship opportunities, please contact the I·SPARC staff member listed below.
To stay up to date on Team BC highlights, follow on Facebook @TeamBCNAIG and Instagram @isparcTeamBC.
Media Contact:
Brock Freeman
Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, & Recreation Council (I·SPARC)
Senior Manager, Communications
250-856-0859
bfreeman@isparc.ca
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