Ontario / BC Indigenous Challenge Match: The History Is Growing
The second edition of the Ontario / BC Challenge Match was held earlier this week at Bear Mountain Golf and Tennis Resort Community in Victoria, BC and proved to be just as successful as the first...
32 golfers from BC and Ontario tee'd it up to contest the 2024 edition of the Ontario / BC Indigenous Challenge Match. The idea of the friendly competition was a natural outgrowth of provincial Indigenous Championships that started in Ontario in 2022 and BC in 2023.
In Ontario, their Championship was originally spearheaded by the Monthill Golf & Country Club in partnership with a local organizing committee from the Six Nations of the Grand River. This year they had more than 100 competitors from more than 60 different First Nations take part.
T’esots’en (Patrick Kelly) Has Seen The Fulfillment Of A Dream
In BC, the championship had long been a dream of former Chair of BC Golf, T’esots’en (Patrick Kelly). Shown above
When he was finally able to bring his dream to fruition, the first provincial championship was held last year at the Osoyoos Indian Band owned Nk’mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver. This year, the Musqueam Band were the hosts at the University Golf Club in Vancouver. Top finishers from those tournaments were invited to come to Bear Mountain.
After the Challenge Match finished, Kelly commented on the quality of play both teams, "(I) saw the incredible quality of golf that you're all playing. So my hands are up to all of you, because that was amazing. Every one of you deserve a great degree of congratulations for the effort and the skill and the talent that you showed today and yesterday
Aside from the efforts of those who helped make each provincial championships happen, recognition should also go out to the many groups and individuals who have helped get the event off the ground as well.
Both years, Bear Mountain Golf and Tennis Resort Community provided complimentary use of their facility to host the Matches. Bear Mountain's Director of Golf Rob Laroque explains why they are so happy to support this event, "When Patrick approached us with the concept we didn't hesitate with the support of hosting the event here at Bear Mountain Golf and Tennis Resort Community. With two great 18 hole courses (Mountain & Valley) we are a perfect fit for a match play challenge event like . Anytime you can be part of an inaugural event that fosters awareness, relationships and is wrapped up in friendly competition I am in! We are very proud to have hosted the 1st 2 matches and will continue to support the event going forward."
Bear Mountain's Amazing Views Were On Full Display Under Ideal Playing Conditions
British Columbia's Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Janet Austin and former Lieutenant Governor Stephen Point have been official patrons of the event since its inception and clearly sees its importance.
Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Janet Austin shown With Kylie Jack At The Gala Dinner Held At Government House In Victoria, BC
“To be the patron of this tournament, alongside the first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor, Steven Point, is an absolute honour,” said Austin in 2023. “It is so important on the journey of reconciliation that there be opportunities like this, for a distinct tournament to celebrate excellence in sport by Indigenous golfers and to create pathways for greater involvement, representation, and participation of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people equally on all fields of play.”
There have also been considerable contributions from British Columbia Golf, the BC Lottery Corporation and sponsors such as The Victoria Foundation and the Peace Hills Trust Company.
Director, Facilities Gaming at British Columbia Lottery Corporation Jerry Williamson (shown above forefront) was on hand and explained why this is something that BCLC got involved, “We are here today because we believe that sport has the power to bring people together and create lasting connections. BC is proud to be part of such an important event, and I hope everyone has enjoyed the challenge.”
“This event has been one of our highlights of the year the past two seasons” said Kris Jonasson CEO of British Columbia Golf. “To see the golfers take so much pride in representing their province has been inspiring. We look forward to continuing our support for these matches”.
Kris Jonason Shown With Ontario Co-Captain Lindsay Hill
Next year's running of the Indigenous Challenge Matches is already in the planning stages with the event set to take place in Ontario for the first time.
Stephen W Tooshkenig (front) Watches The Action With Other Members Of Team Ontario
Team Ontario organizer Stephen W Tooshkenig spoke after the tournament about the importance of being aware of where this competition has - and will be - taking place, “We're all from traditional territory. We have to honour that everywhere we walk. We understand that for myself, I'm Ojibwe, Mohawk and Lenape. And also want to acknowledge that you will be traveling to Ontario next year to come and play on our territory."
Look for another spirited competition next year.
Click HERE to see the tournament summary and results
Click HERE to see the slideshow of top images from the Challenge.
Click HERE to see the indepth tournament review by Brad Ziemer.