On Jan 28, 2019 Chateh youth skated on a brand new public rink thanks to a partnership between the local RCMP and the Dene Tha' First Nation Recreation and Cultural Society. A first of its kind in the community, the rink will facilitate sports year-round thanks to contributions from the Rink of Dreams Society, Sport Central, RCMP Foundation, Tolko Industries and funding from Jordan's Principle.
With the nearest recreation centre available to the approximately 300 youth in Chateh 45 minutes away in Rainbow Lake, Detachment Commander Sgt. Gord Hughes and Dene Tha' Council members recognized a need for a space in their community where local youth could enjoy safe physical activity, relieve stress, engage with other members of the community, and build an open and positive relationship with the RCMP.
Sgt. Hughes and the Dene Tha' First Nation Recreation and Cultural Society were granted over $150,000 in funding for the project by Jordan's Principle based on these goals. Jordan's Principle is a commitment to First Nations children to ensure they get the products, services and support they need, when they need them.
"Ensuring the wellbeing of a community and of its youth is fundamental to a healthy community. By building the Heek'iicho Mieh (Bison Pond), we want to facilitate wellness across the spectrum – physical, mental, emotional and social. We want this space to be a rink, an arena and a sanctuary for Chateh youth" Sgt. Gordon Hughes, Chateh RCMP.
Construction of the rink was completed on Nov, 2018. A hockey-tape-cutting ceremony took place on January 28, 2019 at 10 a.m. and was followed by a puck drop on the first game of the season between Dene Tha' Community School students, Council, and RCMP members.