Right To Play: Empowering Children Through Play-Based Programs in Canada and Globally
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 the capacity of these programs and reaching more children with the transformative power of play.
Right To Play’s Commitment to Indigenous Communities in Canada
Right To Play recognizes and affirms Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, a principle that underpins all of its work in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada.
The organization’s involvement in Canada began in 2010, following an invitation from the Chiefs of Moose Cree and Sandy Lake First Nations, alongside the Chiefs of Ontario, to support programs within their communities. Over the past 15 years, 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.
Currently, Right To Play has 81 active partnerships in Canada, with 86% of community partners from 2024 continuing their collaboration into 2025. These partnerships focus on delivering high-quality programs that provide lasting results for young people and enhance local youth leadership opportunities.
Right To Play acknowledges the historical and ongoing inequities faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, including systemic barriers affecting income, education, healthcare, and child welfare. The organization recognizes the resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in protecting their cultures and identities despite policies aimed at assimilation. It also acknowledges the significant infrastructure gap, estimated at $349.2 billion by the Assembly of First Nations, needed to address disparities in housing, clean water, schools, healthcare, and roads.
Improving Program Delivery Through Evidence-Based Approaches
For over ten years, 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.
A recent learning brief, “Improving PLAY Programs in Indigenous Communities and Urban Organizations,” developed by Right To Play’s Indigenous Programs Monitoring and Evaluation Team, shares valuable insights and strategies to enhance program delivery. This resource utilizes an evidence-based approach to help staff and partners better understand operational contexts, 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. Recent initiatives include trainings for community members, ice fishing activities, and a hockey workshop in collaboration with MLSE.
The organization also highlights the importance of connecting to land and culture in improving health outcomes for Indigenous youth workers, as demonstrated through the Traditional and Land-based Quality Sport program supported by Sport Canada.
Supporting Right To Play
Donations to Right To Play directly support its programs and contribute to the organization’s global movement to empower children through play. By supporting Right To Play, donors are investing in the future of children and youth, helping them overcome adversity and reach their full potential.
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