Right To Play in Canada

In 2010 the Chiefs of Moose Cree and Sandy Lake First Nations, alongside the Chiefs of Ontario, invited Right To Play to support programs in their communities.

Over the last 15 years, we have developed program models that ground our commitment to walk in partnership with an increasing number of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities. We collaborate with community partners to deliver high-quality programs that provide lasting results for young people and enhance local youth leadership opportunities.

86% of Community Partners from 2024 have partnered with us again in 2025, while new partners have brought us to 81 active partnerships in 2025.

"As I continued my journey through Right To Play, the more motivated I became. I learned what power my voice as a youth and an individual in my community has and in Right To Play I was encouraged to use it."  — Program Participant, Ontario 

What We Respond To

For generations, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have shown incredible resilience in protecting their cultures, identities, and connections to the land and water, despite policies that sought to disrupt and assimilate them.

Indigenous communities continue to navigate overlapping inequities, racism and systemic barriers that affect income, education, healthcare, and child welfare.

"First Nations lack essential infrastructure — housing, clean water, schools, healthcare, and roads — available to most Canadians. The gap is the estimated $349.2 billion investment needed to close these disparities by 2030.” - From the Assembly of First Nations “Closing the Infrastructure Gap”

Many are still healing from the intergenerational effects of these challenges, yet remain steadfast in reclaiming their traditions, asserting their sovereignty, and creating new opportunities for future generations. We seek to follow the inspirational work of Indigenous leaders.

"I really am hoping we can create a social movement so that we can raise a generation of First Nations children who never have to recover from their childhoods again." - Cindy Blackstock, Gitxsan First Nation, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, on her wish for First Nations children.

Community Partnerships in 2025

"Being able to design my program based on what is needed is very important. I own my program because it’s designed for my community and there is inclusive ownership because the youth also feel invested in how programs are run and feel like they are a part of it."   — Community Mentor

How We Work

We support communities & organizations through:

• Program material funding;
• Salary funding for child & youth workers called Community Mentors;
• Support and training so Community Mentors can deliver weekly play-based programs that help children and youth build life skills;
• An extensive digital resource library and printed core resources;
• Workshops on play-based learning and other relevant content;
• Opportunities like the Indigenous Youth Advisory Council;
• In-person events such as National Gathering and the Youth Leadership Symposium.

Resources & Publications

Looking ahead 2025-2026:

Right To Play Indigenous Programs focuses on children from early childhood to adolescence to improve their learning and overall well-being

Leadership- Support Indigenous youth workers across Canada to lead, inspire, and transform their communities through the healing power of play

Well-Being – Strengthen the health, psychosocial and life-skills among Indigenous children and youth across Canada.

• Enhance commitment to youth leadership & voice through improving youth capacity to design and run their own programs, with support from youth workers in their community;
• Tailor partnership model to include new offerings that allow for broader reach and maximize use of available resources;
• Increase scale to new geographies and seek partnerships;
• Strengthen impact through establishing strong evidence on the contribution of play-based approaches to child and youth well-being outcomes.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Right To Play acknowledges the historical legacies of colonization in Canada and the ways colonial systems continue to impact Indigenous peoples today. Right To Play recognizes and affirms Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination.

These recognition underscores all of the work the organization does in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. The path toward truth and reconciliation is the responsibility of all Canadians, and Right To Play is committed to the journey.

Country Office Address

43 Front St E, Unit 200
Toronto, Ontario 1B3

+1 416 203 0190