A group of young baseball players from Wauzhushk Onigum Nation has added a national championship to its growing list of accomplishments.
After winning the local Indigenous Rookie League title in 2025, the community’s senior team travelled to the Greater Toronto Area this summer for the Jays Care National Classic. They finished in first place at the tournament in Brampton on Aug. 28, earning the title of Canada’s top Senior Indigenous Rookie League team.
The annual tournament, hosted by Jays Care Foundation, brings together Indigenous Rookie League teams from communities across Canada for baseball, cultural activities and opportunities to connect with other young players.
Wauzhushk Onigum Nation Chief Chris Skead said the championship reflects the work of the players and the people who have supported them.
“This championship belongs to our young people and to everyone who has encouraged them, coached them and believed in them along the way,” Skead said in a statement.
“Our youth carried themselves with confidence, humility and respect, both on and off the field. They showed the rest of the country the strength, talent and spirit that live within Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.”
The Indigenous Rookie League is operated through the Youth & Family Wellness Camp under the umbrella of the Kenora Chiefs Advisory. The program uses baseball to bring young people together while helping them build confidence, develop skills and form friendships.
League coordinator Ben Libitka said the national tournament gave the team an opportunity to compete alongside other Indigenous communities from across Canada.
“It was an honour to lead this group into a competitive environment alongside other Indigenous communities from across Canada and to see just how strong Wauzhushk Onigum has become,” he said.
“The team represented their community, Treaty #3 and the Youth & Family Wellness Camp with tremendous pride.”
The trip also gave the players a chance to experience Toronto together. They attended two Toronto Blue Jays games and visited the Canadian National Exhibition and the Eaton Centre.
Community coaches Charmaine King and Angela Copenace helped chaperone the trip, with support from the Youth & Family Wellness Camp team, Jays Care Foundation, families and community members.
The national title follows the team’s 2025 local championship and gives Wauzhushk Onigum another reason to celebrate its young athletes.
The league’s junior champions were also scheduled to travel to Winnipeg for a Goldeyes game as part of their championship prize.
