Only two.
When we look at the Hockey Hall of Fame, we’re seeing a huge part of the game’s history—but Call to Action 87 reminds us there is still more to the story. Right now, only two First Nations players have been inducted.
George Armstrong and Grant Fuhr paved the way, showing our youth what is possible.
Through Braided Strength, we’re working so that the next generation sees their heritage and their heart reflected in the “Great Hall” too. 🏒🧡
Who is an Indigenous player that inspires you? Let’s celebrate them in the comments. 👇🏽
#BraidedStrength #TRC87 #IndigenousHockey #RepresentationMatters
The Strands are Strengthening.
We stepped away for a moment to ground ourselves with family and reconnect with finding balance. But while we were quiet, the movement was moving.
60 days. Almost 15,000 views. 100 new followers in our circle.
More importantly, we’ve started putting resources exactly where they belong: into the hands of our youth through local grants.
The break is over. We’re back with a clear vision and a deeper commitment to the future of Indigenous sport. We aren’t just showing up; we’re weaving a new standard through three core strands:
STRAND 01: ADVOCACY
We are the backup for athletes navigating systems that weren’t built for them. We provide the support needed so they don’t have to stand alone when things get tough.
STRAND 02: CULTURAL SOVEREIGNTY
We are reclaiming the narrative. By merging our history with our excellence, we create the cultural safety needed to transform the landscape of sport on our own terms.
STRAND 03: EMPOWERMENT
We turn talk into action by providing the resources and tools needed to combat racism and discrimination, clearing the path for the next generation of leaders.
WE ARE THE LIVING THREADS.
This movement belongs to all of us. Of these three priorities—Advocacy, Cultural Sovereignty, or Empowerment—which one do you want to see us dive into first?
Drop your choice in the comments. We are the change.
#BraidedStrength #FirstNations #IndigenousExcellence #IndigenousSport #YouthEmpowerment
The Truth About the Game
Sport is more than just a competition. It is a story of Braided Strength where our culture and resilience meet on the field, the water, and the ice. These leaders didn't just play for themselves. They changed the landscape, making sure the path was wider for every First Nations athlete coming next.
Waneek Horn-Miller
She turned pain into power, leading with a spirit that could not be broken. Her story bridges history with a future where every Indigenous athlete belongs, regardless of the arena.
Fred Sasakamoose
A survivor who stood firm to become the first Canadian Indigenous player in the NHL. He proved our strength is rooted in who we are and where we come from.
Reggie Leach
The Riverton Rifle showed us how to reach the highest peaks and walk the path of wellness. He lifts up the next generation by leading with heart and health.
The truth? We are the change. We carry our ancestors in every stride. Through sport, we keep our culture alive and thriving.
#BraidedStrength #FirstNations #IndigenousExcellence #IndigenousSport
We are blown away by the energy behind Braided Strength right now. Since our launch, we’ve hit two massive milestones with nearly 15,000 views on our content and over 65 youth participating in our first-ever Showcase.
These numbers show just how much our communities value representation and advocacy in sports. This movement is about our youth walking into any arena or onto any field with their braids held high and their identity celebrated.
Huge congratulations to our five grant winners! We are proud to help support your registration and equipment costs as you lead the way for the next generation.
To our new followers, welcome. We are just getting started and look forward to building this together so we can offer even more showcases and support in the future.
NIMIIGWECHIWENDAM 🙌🏾
#BraidedStrength #RepresentationMatters #YouthSports
Identity is Our Power ✊🏽✨
We are paying homage to Michael Linklater (@michael_linklater ) and the Boys with Braids movement. A proud Nehiyaw father from Thunderchild First Nation, Michael has proven on the world stage that our identity belongs at the highest levels of competition.
Michael’s advocacy changed the game. He did not just ask for space. He demanded it. He showed our young men that their hair is a symbol of resilience, ancestry, and power.
As a husband and wife led team here at Braided Strength, we recognize Michael’s work as the blueprint. Braided Strength is an extension of this mission. We are taking that same fire into every arena, field, and court in Ontario. We want all our First Nation youth—sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins—to be unapologetically proud of who they are.
From the hardwood to the community rink, our hair and our culture are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. We stand with Michael in the fight for Cultural Safety. We are advocating for our youth to never have to sideline their culture to play any game they love.
Chi-Miigwetch to Michael for the strength and the vision!
#BraidedStrength Showcase Draw 2026 🏒🪶
Congratulations to our FIVE youth winners! Each receives a sponsorship credit for registration or equipment to gear up for the season.
Miigwetch to everyone who participated. We were so proud & excited to see this movement grow through the week.
We hope to continue breaking down barriers and creating culturally safe spaces where our youth wear their braids with pride.
Stay tuned for more opportunities! 🔥💪🏽
Miigwetch for the incredible response to our #BraidedStrength Showcase! Seeing our kids wearing their braids with pride in every arena is exactly what we hope to continue empowering through this movement.
This is about our right to be free from discrimination and our commitment to cultural safety. As coaches & parents, we’re proud to see our youth claiming their space.
⏳ REMINDER: You have until midnight tonight to submit!
Braiding Our Identity Into Every Arena: Empowering Our Youth to Wear Their Strength Proudly in Culturally Safe Spaces Protected by Our Fundamental Human Rights.
#BraidedStrength #LNHL2026 #YouthGrants #CulturalSafety
Our Hair, Our Power, Our Right. 🏒🪶
As @little_nhl alumni, coaches, and parents, we stand with the Braided Strength movement. Watching our daughter’s first year, we’re fighting for a future where our youth never have to hide their identity to play.
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, cultural expression is a fundamental right. Cultural safety means our kids walk into any arena—braids proud and spirits high—knowing they are protected.
Braiding Our Identity Into Every Arena: Empowering Our Youth to Wear Their Strength Proudly in Culturally Safe Spaces Protected by Our Fundamental Human Rights
Join the movement. Claim your space. ✊🏽✨
#BraidedStrength #LNHL2026 #CulturalSafety
Shoutout to every one of you who has joined the movement!
Seeing so many young leaders proudly wearing their #BraidedStrength is everything. You aren’t just the future—you are the power right now. 🔥
Thank you for your energy and your light. We see you! Keep sharing, keep tagging, and let’s keep this momentum growing. 📈✨
#BraidedStrength #YouthEmpowerment #Community #OurMovement
GET FEATURED ON OUR PAGE!
We want to see (and share!) your incredible photos. Follow these 3 quick steps to stay visible:
📍 TAG US directly in your photos. @braided.strength
#️⃣ USE #braidedstrength so we never miss a post.
📲 MENTION US in your Stories for a chance to be reposted!
Reminder: Make sure your account is set to Public so we can see! Or simply send us a DM!
Let’s grow this community together. Tag us in your next post! 🙌
#Community #InstagramTips #braidedstrength
We’re two parents who believe our kids should play all sports exactly as they are 🏒
#BraidedStrength is a community-led stand for cultural safety and pride in sports. We are here to create a space where our culture is respected, celebrated, and protected. From our player grants to the ‘Wall of Strength,’ this is for the next generation.
Want to join the movement?
We’re at the LNHL arenas all week! Find us to get your photo taken for the Wall or to learn about our Grants for youth. Check our Stories to see which rink we’re at today. 📍
#BraidedStrength #IndigenousHockey #LNHL2026
Whether you’re wearing your braids or holding up a sign, we want to see your #BraidedStrength.
Check the slides for details on our 5 x $100 Youth Grants and how to get involved.
Independent community-led initiative. Protected by the OHRC.
#LNHL2026 #IndigenousHockey #BraidedStrength
