Forty players from as far north as Grande Prairie, Alberta and as far east as Saskatchewan in the east were selected to attend the camp, which was packed with enriching activities. Each day included two on-field practices and two cultural sessions.

 

“Mornings began with canoeing, followed by two field sessions, while our evenings were dedicated to traditional song and dance,” Mr. Panga said.

 

One of the highlights of the camp was the third evening, when the players and coaches hosted a cultural sharing night that was open to the entire Shawnigan community. The event included a special jersey presentation with special guest Gabrielle Senft, a Canadian national team player of Métis descent.

 

“It was a wonderful, joyous event that everyone thoroughly enjoyed,” Mr. Panga said.

 

On the following day, the Thunder took part in the Westshore Sevens Tournament in Colwood, where the U18 boys’ team won their division, and the other teams put in highly competitive performances. Not only did the Thunder field strong U16 and U18 boys’ and girls’ teams but Thunder graduates also formed both men's and women's teams to take part in the tournament.

 

On the final day of camp, the players were treated to an exciting trip to Vancouver to watch the Canadian men's XV team play a Pacific Nations Cup match against Japan at BC Place.

 

Mr. Panga was joined on the management team this year by Shawnigan’s Head of Athletic Therapy, Ms. Noelani Avveduti. Ms. Avveduti, who is Cree, volunteered her time to provide outstanding care for the athletes throughout the camp.

 

“Thunder Indigenous Rugby has made great strides, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead,” Mr. Panga said.

 

For more information about the program, please visit Thunder Indigenous Rugby.