Right To Play: Empowering Children Through Play-Based Programs

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. Right To Play distinguishes itself as the only NGO utilizing a play-based approach to address the challenges faced by children. Through strategic partnerships with governments, educators, coaches, families, and communities, the organization equips children with essential life skills, fostering a brighter future for themselves and the world.

Right To Play’s Impact and Reach

In the last year, Right To Play reached 1.52 million children and youth in 15 countries, including programs in 75 Indigenous communities in Canada. The organization’s commitment extends to fostering local youth leadership opportunities and delivering high-quality programs that yield lasting results.

Partnerships with Indigenous Communities in Canada

Right To Play recognizes and affirms Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, a principle that underpins all its work in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada [1]. These partnerships began in 2010 with invitations from the Chiefs of Moose Cree and Sandy Lake First Nations, alongside the Chiefs of Ontario, to support programs within their communities [2].

Over the past 15 years, Right To Play has developed program models grounded in a commitment to collaborative partnerships with an increasing number of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities. Currently, Right To Play maintains 81 active partnerships, with 86% of community partners from 2024 continuing their collaboration into 2025 [2].

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Indigenous communities in Canada continue to navigate significant inequities, racism, and systemic barriers impacting income, education, healthcare, and child welfare. First Nations, for example, face an estimated $349.2 billion investment gap to achieve infrastructure parity with the rest of Canada, encompassing essential services like housing, clean water, schools, healthcare, and roads [1]. Many communities are actively engaged in healing from the intergenerational effects of past challenges while simultaneously reclaiming their traditions and asserting their sovereignty.

Program Highlights and Updates

Right To Play is currently partnered with 75 Indigenous communities and urban organizations across Canada to promote life skills through play-based health and well-being practices [3]. Recent program activities include trainings, ice fishing events, and an MLSE hockey workshop [3]. The organization emphasizes culturally responsive and community-led program development, working in collaboration with Indigenous communities, organizations, and experts [3].

Staying Connected

For the latest updates and stories from Right To Play’s Indigenous Programs, visit Right To Play’s Indigenous Programs Updates page [4].

“As I continued my journey through Right To Play, the more motivated I became. I learned what power my voice as a youth and an individual in my community has and in Right To Play I was encouraged to use it.” — Program Participant, Ontario [2]