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(l to r) Dennis Mitchell, Sandi Gleason - treasurer, Michelle Miller - Secretary; Jackie Callahan - Vice President; Karee Vallevand - President; Jeanie Dendys and Alicia Vance |
The Yukon Indian Hockey Association (YIHA) was created in 1973 to promote aboriginal hockey for all ages and provide the opportunity for Yukon's First Nation athletes to compete with other Canadian provinces and territories in the sport. For the past 34 years, through the hard work and dedication of a volunteer board, YIHA has hosted the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament in Whitehorse. This tournament is the biggest and the best Native Hockey Tournament North of 60. It attracts First Nation hockey players from all over the north, British Columbia and Alberta. The tournament is hosted in Whitehorse on the traditional land of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta'an Kwach'an Council.
The Kilrich/Northerm Yukon Native hockey tournament is the biggest event hosted in Whitehorse on an annual basis and is one the most anticipated social events of the year. A total of 38 teams competed in the 2010 tournament. The Gwich'in Flames beat out the EGT Nanooks 4 to 2 for top spot in A Division while the Deer River Slashers from Fort Nelson, British Columbia took B Division. Whitehorse's Skylight Arrows won the Oldtimers Division, Whitehorse's Skylight Predators took the Jamboree Division and the Gwich'in Braves once again triumphed in the Youth Division. In addition to hosting the annual tournament, YIHA board sponsors Adult & Youth to travel inside/outside the territory to hockey tournaments throughout the year and it works in partnership with other organizations to offer skills development camps for all levels of players. An example of this is the 2010 Northwestel and Yukon Indian Hockey Association Summer Hockey Camp. The 34th annual Kilrich/Northerm Yukon Native Hockey Tournament will take place in Whitehorse on March 25-27, 2011.
© 2011 YIHA Email: info@yiha.ca