Markham to host Little Native Hockey League Tournament, Cultural Festival, & Gala in 2024

Tournament and Cultural Festival celebrating its 50^th anniversary and first time in Markham next year

MARKHAM, ON – July 31, 2023 – The City of Markham, together with Destination Markham Corporation, has been selected by the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL)  as the successful host city for the LNHL 2024 Hockey Tournament, Cultural Festival, and Gala Celebration. This will be the first time it is held in Markham on the special occasion of its 50^th anniversary in 2024

Taking place over 2024 March Break, the annual hockey tournament will bring more than 3,500 young Indigenous athletes, families and spectators together from across Ontario to Markham to celebrate the game of hockey and celebration of the Indigenous culture.

The LNHL Tournament will be spread across the City’s 10 different ice rinks throughout the March Break week.

“We are thrilled and honoured to be named as the host City for the 2024 Little Native Hockey League Tournament, as it prepares to celebrate its 50^th anniversary next year,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “The City of Markham is committed to reconciliation and has a rich sporting history, particularly in the game of hockey. We are pleased to be able to welcome young Indigenous athletes and their families from across Ontario. I look forward to celebrating this historic and memorable event in March 2024.”

“Destination Markham is proud to announce our partnership with the City of Markham to host the celebrated 2024 Little Native Hockey League Tournament,” says Susan Mandryk, Chair of Destination Markham Corporation. “We eagerly embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories for young, aspiring athletes. Beyond the excitement of hosting the tournament, Destination Markham is eager to showcase Markham, a remarkable destination in providing unmatched cultural, leisure, shopping and culinary experiences.”

“On behalf of the Little NHL and as a member of the bid committee, I can say wholeheartedly that we were so impressed by the bid put forth by the City of Markham,” says Chico Ralf, LNHL Executive. “The City of Markham put a tremendous amount of work into their bid, and it showed that they respect the Little NHL and what our tournament does for our people. The Mayor of the City said they are collectively committed to building a strong relationship with Indigenous peoples and this opportunity is more than reconciliation because it is putting action to words. We were offered tobacco and welcomed with a Land Acknowledgment, and this is the first step in building respectful and reciprocal relationships. We very much look forward to hosting this great and wonderful tournament in Markham and will proudly celebrate its 50th anniversary.”

The City of Markham celebrates Indigenous communities, as well as sports, which transcends both language and culture and brings communities together.

Since January 2017, the City of Markham has partnered with the Eabametoong First Nation to help promote social, cultural and economic collaboration. Furthermore, the City continues to work closely with Eabametoong to grow sport and fitness opportunities in the First Nation community.

The City of Markham is pleased to welcome the LNHL Tournament and Cultural Festival to the community in March 2024.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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