York Region proud to support 51st annual Little Native Hockey League Tournament

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York is pleased to support the 51st annual Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Tournament, taking place from March 9 to 13, 2025, in the City of Markham.

This prestigious event is the largest annual hockey tournament for First Nations youth in Ontario, featuring 250 teams and 3,400 players, bringing over 10,000 family members and supporters.

In partnership with York Regional Police and the Town of Georgina, York Region’s involvement reflects a shared commitment to promoting inclusivity, sportsmanship and the celebration of Indigenous culture. The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, a member of the Chippewa Tri-Council, is one of the host communities for this year’s tournament.

"We are honoured to support the Little Native Hockey League Tournament," said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. "This event showcases the incredible talent of Indigenous youth and brings communities together through sport and shared experiences. York Region is proud to stand alongside our partners in supporting this important tournament.”

“The Town of Georgina is proud to be supporting this exciting tournament that brings Indigenous youth together from across the province,” said Town of Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk. “We wish our good friend and neighbour, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and all participants, a wonderful tournament that will leave special memories for many years to come.”

"York Regional Police is proud to support the Little NHL Hockey tournament in the City of Markham, as it embodies our commitment to community engagement and fostering inclusivity,” said York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween. “By championing this event, we aim to promote teamwork, respect and sportsmanship among youth, while also strengthening our relationships with Indigenous communities.”

The LNHL’s dedication to education, citizenship, sportsmanship and respect aligns with York Region’s broader commitment to fostering strong relationships and inclusive communities. Through this participation, York Region and our municipal partners continue to celebrate Indigenous heritage and the positive impact of sport in uniting people of all backgrounds.

For more information about the LNHL Tournament and related events, please visit the official LNHL website.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact: 

Kylie-Anne Doerner, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 905-806-7138
kylie-anne.doerner@york.ca