Indigenous Athletic Development Circle - IADC

06/05/2026

Equipment shouldn’t be the barrier between a kid and the ice. Thanks to Mike at Play It Again Sports Thunder Bay, 11 Indigenous youth are geared up and ready for our Thunder Bay intensive today. Want to support our mission?

Contact:
[email protected]

06/02/2026

🚐 THE JOURNEY BEGINS.

4 people. 3 dogs. 1 RV. One mission.

We’re hitting the road to Thunder Bay and we’ll be documenting the journey along the way. Stay tuned. 🐾🏒

Thunder Bay — we’re coming for you.

📍 Fort William First Nation Arena
🗓️ June 5 & 6, 2026

05/27/2026

🏒 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT — The Thunder Bay Leadership Intensive is HERE. 🎉
The Indigenous Athletic Development Circle (IADC), in partnership with .ca and the Standing Bear Program, are bringing an elite two-day hockey camp to Fort William First Nation Arena on June 5 & 6, 2026 — completely FREE for 10 Indigenous youth from Eabametoong First Nation.
We aren’t a “parachute organization” that drops in once and disappears.
This camp marks our 6th meaningful interaction with the Eabametoong community. Real impact requires real relationships, and we are proud to continue building this legacy together. 🧡

Our Circle of Care mentors will be on the ice with the youth:
⭐ Jake Ritson — GOHL Rookie of the Year, London Knights prospect from Thunder Bay (Friday only)
🥅 Theron Morningstar — GOHL Goaltender, Ojibway from Mississauga First Nation
⚡ Brody Nielissen — Jr. A Hockey Player & IADC Youth Mentor
Two days. Two ice sessions. Leadership workshops. Financial literacy. Cultural activities. And a pathways panel showing the road from minor hockey to the professional stage as an Indigenous athlete.
This is what the IADC Circle of Care looks like in action. 💪🏽

📍 Where: Fort William First Nation Arena, 200 Mission Rd, Thunder Bay
🗓️ When: June 5 & 6, 2026

04/30/2026

History is being made this May, and I am incredibly humbled to share that the Indigenous Athletic Development Circle is one of 5 businesses selected for the inaugural Launchpad Showcase at the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity Forum.
As NACCA celebrates its 30th anniversary, I’ll have the opportunity to stand before 500 investors and leaders to share our mission. While I’ll be taking the stage as the youngest entrepreneur invited to this level, I truly feel that being invited to this space is a victory in itself.
The $10,000 grand prize and the Harvard AFOA scholarship are incredible opportunities, but the real reward is the platform to advocate for the youth who often feel they have to leave their identity at the door to pursue their dreams. We’ve built the bridge, we’ve gathered the data, and now we get to share that story with the people who can help us scale it.
I am looking forward to connecting with, learning from, and being inspired by everyone in Gatineau from May 5-7.

I’d love to take you all on this journey with me. Drop a “🚀” in the comments if you’re rooting for IADC!

04/14/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Maverick Fletcher () to the Indigenous Athletic Development Circle as our Youth Mentor and Cultural Ambassador.

A composed and technical 6-foot-1 goaltender with the Caledonia Corvairs () in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (), Maverick brings a wealth of experience and a resilient pedigree to the crease. Originally selected 22nd overall by the Erie Otters () in the 2023 OHL U18 Priority Selection, he is known for a highly motivated mindset and a drive to prove his doubters wrong. This season, Maverick has been a workhorse for the Corvairs, appearing in 33 games and posting a .903 save percentage while anchoring the back end.

A proud member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation, Maverick takes immense pride in his identity as an Indigenous athlete. From 2021-2024, he represented Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), bringing home two gold medals and a silver. He is dedicated to using his platform to advocate for holistic development, ensuring the next generation of players gains valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game of hockey.

Whether he’s shutting down top-seeded teams in the playoffs or helping IADC connect with organizations to better support youth, Maverick’s relentless dedication to his roots and his sport makes him an incredible asset to our mission.

We are honored to have him join the circle. Welcome aboard, Maverick! 🧡

www.iadc.ai

Inquiries: [email protected]

04/12/2026

Huge congratulations to our very own Youth Mentor and Cultural Ambassador, Nathan Maguire, on an incredible rookie season!

Nathan earned a vital role with the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) this year, proving his talent by being named to the NOJHL 1st All-Rookie Team and the 2nd All-Star Team.

We are so proud of your accomplishments on and off the ice, Nate. Keep leading the way, we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

04/12/2026

Representation on the Big Stage. 🏆

It’s more than just a game; it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation. We are incredibly proud to see these powerful athletes representing their Nations and their teams at the OWHL U22 Elite Provincials this week!

Please join us in celebrating:

• Laryssa Mayer | Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation
2007, North York Storm (Committed: SUNY Potsdam ‘26-‘27)

• Tiani Makokis | Saddle Lake Cree Nation #125
2008, Mississauga Hurricanes

• Sophia Makokis | Saddle Lake Cree Nation #125
2010, Mississauga Hurricanes

• Skylar Doxtator | Oneida Nation of the Thames
2009, Bluewater Hawks

The talent on display in the OWHL is world-class. Seeing these young women lead the way on the ice is a testament to their hard work and the strength of their communities.

Keep pushing, keep leading, and keep making history. The future of hockey is bright! 🦅🏒

04/10/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Raiden Doxtator () to the Indigenous Athletic Development Circle as our Youth Mentor and Cultural Ambassador.

A dedicated forward with the London Nationals () in the Greater Ontario Hockey League (), Raiden navigated a standout rookie season posting 32 points in 45 games. Selected in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection by the Peterborough Petes, he is known for a high-octane style of play defined by elite hockey IQ, explosive speed, and a fearless work ethic that sets a standard for his teammates.

A proud member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Oneida Nation, Raiden takes immense pride in his identity as an Indigenous athlete. He is dedicated to using his platform on the ice to lead by example and demonstrate the power of relentless dedication for the next generation of players.

Whether he’s spending time with his 10 siblings or setting the standard on the ice, Raiden’s relentless dedication to his roots and his sport makes him an incredible asset to our mission.

We are honored to have him join the circle. Welcome aboard, Raiden! 🧡

www.iadc.ai

Inquiries: [email protected]

04/06/2026

04/05/2026

The future of the game is in good hands. 🦅🏒
Watching Calder Anderson, Felix Sapay, and Jackson Mead light it up at the OHL Cup this week. Proud to see Six Nations, Saugeen, and Dokis First Nation represented at the elite level.
Keep blazing those trails, boys. 👊