June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to honour and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across the Northwest Territories and Canada.

At Badminton NWT, we are proud to see the sport growing in communities both large and small, often led by Indigenous youth, families, and local champions who bring energy, leadership, and cultural pride to the court.

Badminton is more than a sport. In many Northern communities, it’s a place to gather, to move, to laugh, and to connect. It’s played in school gyms, community halls, and recreation centres, often thanks to volunteers who work tirelessly to bring the game to life.

On this day, we:

Celebrate the Indigenous athletes who bring passion and power to the court

Honour the elders and mentors who support and guide their communities
Acknowledge the land and culture that shape how we move, play, and belong

We recognize there is more work to do to ensure that all youth have the same opportunities to access sport and thrive in it. Badminton NWT is committed to supporting inclusive, community-driven programming and building partnerships that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

As we reflect on this important day, we express our deepest gratitude to the Indigenous players, leaders, and communities who continue to help the sport grow, and who inspire us to build a more connected, inclusive, and joyful future through movement.