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Every Child Matters

Beyond the Rally: Table Tennis and the Path to Reconciliation

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At the heart of Table Tennis North’s powerful initiative is a fundamental belief: every child deserves a chance to flourish, regardless of their background or circumstances. Table Tennis is more than just a sport; it is a transformative platform that empowers and inspires young individuals.

Through our mentorship programs, coaching development, and youth outreach, we strive to foster a sense of belonging and achievement. From Fort Smith to Tuktoyaktuk, our programs help youth build skills, friendships, and confidence.

On September 30th, we wear orange to remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience. This day honours Indigenous children and families and acknowledges the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. By standing together in solidarity, we reinforce our commitment to supporting every child in our community.

We are proud to be part of the Northwest Territories, where we strive to champion the holistic well-being of every child. Their dreams matter, and through the power of Table Tennis, we can help them realize their potential. Join us in this important mission to uplift and empower the next generation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine.

Honouring Movement, Culture, and Connection: National Indigenous Peoples Day with Table Tennis North

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June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the country.

In the North, this day holds deep meaning. It’s more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of identity, community, and the strength that has carried Indigenous peoples through generations. At Table Tennis North, we are honoured to share space, build relationships, and learn alongside the communities we serve.

Sport as Connection

Table Tennis may seem like a small paddle and ball game, but in Northern communities, it has become a tool for connection. It brings Elders and youth together, offers moments of joy and movement, and supports wellbeing through play. Our programs are shaped by the people and places we work with. We listen, adapt, and celebrate the unique ways sport can be practiced and shared.

Walking Together

On this day, we recommit to listening deeply and walking alongside Indigenous communities in a spirit of respect, partnership, and humility. Whether we are delivering a tournament in Fort Smith, hosting a school workshop in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́, or offering mentorship in Inuvik, we recognize that sport happens on land, and land holds memory, meaning, and teachings.

Stories That Matter

We believe in lifting up local voices. Whether it’s an Elder sharing a teaching, a youth stepping into leadership, or a community coming together for a ping pong night at the school gym, these are the stories that matter. These are the stories we want to honour and grow with.

Thank You / Mahsi Cho

To the Indigenous coaches, players, volunteers, and families who have opened their communities to Table Tennis North, Mahsi Cho. Your guidance helps us shape a sport experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and grounded in community values.

Empowering Youth and Celebrating Resilience

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At the heart of Table Tennis North’s powerful initiative is a fundamental belief: every child deserves a chance to flourish, regardless of their background or circumstances. This commitment serves as a vital reminder that we all share a collective responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.

We strongly believe that Table Tennis is more than just a sport; it is a transformative platform that empowers and inspires young individuals. Through our mentorship programs and efforts to foster a sense of belonging, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of youth across the Northwest Territories. Together, we can help them build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Today, on September 30th, we wear orange to remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience. This day is an important opportunity to honor the experiences of Indigenous children and acknowledge the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. By standing together in solidarity, we reinforce our commitment to supporting every child in our community.

We are proud to be part of the Northwest Territories, where we strive to champion the holistic well-being of every child. Their dreams matter, and through the power of table tennis, we can help them realize their potential. Join us in this important mission to uplift and empower the next generation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine!

Embracing Truth to Action during Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024

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As we approach Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024, communities across the nation are gearing up for a transformative five-day journey dedicated to honoring the rich history and vibrant spirit of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This year’s theme, “Embracing Truth to Action,” invites everyone to engage in meaningful dialogues and take tangible steps toward reconciliation.

The week will feature a variety of interactive workshops designed to educate participants about Indigenous cultures, histories, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. These sessions aim to foster understanding and empathy, encouraging attendees to reflect on their roles in the reconciliation process.

One of the highlights of the week will be the “Mino-pimatisiwin – The Good Life” youth empowerment gathering. This inspiring event will bring together young leaders from diverse backgrounds to share their stories, experiences, and visions for a reconciled future. Through collaborative activities and discussions, participants will explore ways to empower themselves and their communities, turning understanding into action.

Organizers emphasize the importance of community involvement in this initiative. “Together, we can turn understanding into action,” they state, urging individuals and groups to participate actively in the events planned throughout the week.

Join us in this essential journey of truth and reconciliation, and let’s work together to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

For more information and to stay updated on events, follow @nctr_um (Instagram) and visit @nctr.ca (Facebook).

TruthAndReconciliation #MinoPimatisiwin #Empowerment #Community #ReconciliationJourney #TruthAndReconciliationWeek2024

May 5 – National MMIWG2S Awareness Day

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Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada by encouraging learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people.

Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report calls on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Every Child Matters – 2023 Canada Games

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to indigenous families and communities. It aims to honour those who have been affected by this injustice, celebrate resilience and affirm a commitment that every child matters.

Team NT Table Tennis will be wearing the “Every Child Matters” logo on their field of play uniform at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games & 2023 Canada Winter Games. They will use edge tape in orange on their paddles and hand out “Every Child Matters” pins. If you see any of our participants feel free to reach out to them, ask for a pin, learn more about Truth & Reconciliation.

Table Tennis North wants to show and highlight the belief that all children are important, including the ones left behind from residential schools and those adults and families who are still healing from the trauma they endured there. “We want to make sure that our Team NT Table Tennis participants know the importance of the movement and don’t shy away from speaking about it. They are role models, they represent the Territory and they will do amazing on and off the table.” – Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director Table Tennis North

Every 30th of September we will wear orange to remember, to reflect and to celebrate resilience. Join us!!!

Every Child Matters

TT NORTH No Comments

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives us the opportunity to recognize and commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to indigenous families and communities. It aims to honour those who have been affected by this injustice, celebrate resilience and affirm a commitment that every child matters.

Team NT Table Tennis will be wearing the “Every Child Matters” logo on their field of play uniform at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games & 2023 Canada Winter Games. They will use edge tape in orange on their paddles and hand out “Every Child Matters” pins. If you see any of our participants feel free to reach out to them, ask for a pin, learn more about Truth & Reconciliation.

Table Tennis North wants to show and highlight the belief that all children are important, including the ones left behind from residential schools and those adults and families who are still healing from the trauma they endured there. “We want to make sure that our Team NT Table Tennis participants know the importance of the movement and don’t shy away from speaking about it. They are role models, they represent the Territory and they will do amazing on and off the table.” – Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director Table Tennis North

Every 30th of September we will wear orange to remember, to reflect and to celebrate resilience. Join us!!!

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