Right To Play: Empowering Children Through Play-Based Programs in Canada and Beyond
By fundraising for Right To Play, you’re contributing to a global movement that’s using play to protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity. In the last year, the organization reached 1.52 million children and youth in 15 countries, including programs in 75 Indigenous communities in Canada.
Right To Play distinguishes itself as the only NGO utilizing a play-based approach to address the challenges faced by children. Through collaborative partnerships with governments, educators, coaches, families, and communities, the organization equips children with essential skills to build a brighter future for themselves and the world. The support of donors and fundraisers is crucial in expanding program capacity and reaching more children with the transformative power of play.
A Commitment to Indigenous Communities in Canada
Right To Play recognizes and affirms Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, a principle that underpins all its operate in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across Canada. Right To Play in Canada has been actively involved in supporting programs within these communities for over 15 years.
The organization’s journey began in 2010 when the Chiefs of Moose Cree and Sandy Lake First Nations, alongside the Chiefs of Ontario, extended an invitation for Right To Play to support programs in their communities. Since then, Right To Play has developed program models grounded in a commitment to partnership with an increasing number of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities.
In 2025, Right To Play had 81 active partnerships, with 86% of Community Partners from 2024 continuing their collaboration. These partnerships focus on delivering high-quality programs that provide lasting results for young people and enhance local youth leadership opportunities.
Addressing Systemic Barriers and Promoting Resilience
Right To Play acknowledges the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, including inequities, racism, and systemic barriers affecting income, education, healthcare, and child welfare. The organization recognizes the incredible resilience demonstrated by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in protecting their cultures, identities, and connections to the land and water, despite policies aimed at disruption and assimilation.
According to the Assembly of First Nations, an estimated $349.2 billion investment is needed by 2030 to close the infrastructure gap faced by First Nations, which includes essential resources like housing, clean water, schools, healthcare, and roads. Right To Play in Canada seeks to follow the inspirational work of Indigenous leaders in reclaiming traditions, asserting sovereignty, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Improving Program Delivery Through Evidence-Based Approaches
For over a decade, Right To Play and locally hired Community Mentors have implemented play-based programs for children and youth across 75+ Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada. Improving PLAY Programs in Indigenous Communities and Urban Organisations, a new resource developed by Right To Play’s Indigenous Programs Monitoring and Evaluation Team, shares valuable insights and strategies to enhance program delivery.
The report utilizes an evidence-based approach to help staff and partners better understand operational contexts and challenges, apply lessons learned, and deepen their understanding of what works in Indigenous communities.
Recent Program Highlights
Right To Play is currently partnered with 75 Indigenous communities and urban organizations across Canada, promoting life skills through play-based health and well-being practices. The Indigenous Programs Seasonal Report highlights recent impact, including updates from trainings, ice fishing activities, and an MLSE hockey workshop.
The organization emphasizes culturally responsive and community-led programs, working in collaboration with Indigenous communities, organizations, and experts.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates and stories from Right To Play’s Indigenous Programs, visit Indigenous Programs Updates.
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