Mi'kmaw man up for NHL Community Hero Award

Ryan Francis, a 27-year-old Mi'kmaw man, is one of three finalists for the NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his work with theNova Scotia-based Indigenous Girls Hockey Program.

The program, which operates in Truro, EskasoniFirst Nation and Membertou First Nation, was launched in 2020 as a way tobreak barriers so Indigenous girls could see themselveson the ice.

Francis is a co-founder and worksbehind the scenes ensuring Mi'kmaw communities feelheard and have the resources to support theirathletes.

"I have a responsibility to do this because of how the community has supported me through my sports journey," said Francis, who is a member of Acadia First Nation.

The Willie O'Reeaward is presented to an individual that has made a significant positive change to their community, culture or society through the sport of hockey.

Thewinner will be determined by fan voting and weighted votes by Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first Black hockey player, the NHL and by sponsorMassMutual,according to apress release from the NHL. Fans can vote until April 17.

Strong support

Francis grew up off reserve in Cole Harbour, N.S., known as the birthplace of NHL star Sidney Crosby. Francis started playing hockey at the age of six and played until he was 20, including two years in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

He always felt the backing of the Mi'kmaw Nationandwould often find financial support from Acadia First Nation, a community with six reserves and land holdings throughout the southwest region ofNova Scotia.

Francis says in working with the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, he consults with communities such asEskasoni and Membertou First Nations to hear whatthey need to develop Mi'kmaw talent.

He then goesto partners like Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Canada and other sports institutions to let them know exactly what supports thegirls need, like equipment and resources.

"Ultimately, it's ensuring that it's the community's voices that we're responding to," said Francis.

Building confidence

So, far 190 athletes have participated in the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program.

Although Francis isn't comfortable with the spotlight the award nomination has brought,he's hopeful a brighter light is shone on Mi'kmaw athletes, and that all sports become more inclusive.

Erin Denny is a Mi'kmaw hockey player who was coached by Francisduring her time with Team Atlantic. Denny says Francis is a great coach and a selfless, humble person who often puts others first.

"He is always trying to give back to the community," said Denny, adding she couldn't think of anyonemore deserving of the award.

Francis asked Denny to help coach the young girls in the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program, which she says instills a lot of confidence in the girls.

"If I had this Indigenous Girls Hockey Program when I was younger, I definitelywould have felt more comfortable and I would have had more fun," said Denny.

She sees the program as a valuable step in capacity-building for women's hockey in Nova Scotia. It can helpthe athletes navigate the different skills camps, spring teams and other opportunitiesthey can apply for.

Francis has 'drive to make things happen'

Ken Bagnell, the CEO of Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic,worked with Francis on different projects over the past eight years, and says Francis is dedicated and tireless inhelping remove barriers for Indigenous people in sport.

He feels the success of the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program is a testament to Francis's efforts.

"It shows that anything can happen if you have the drive to make things happen, and Ryan has that drive," said Bagnell.

Bagnell says the whole sports community of Nova Scotiais proud of him.