b'NANChoose Life communities has been tremendous, said Narcisse. Choose Life works, and I am pleased that we have signed this agree-ment to ensure that this life-saving work will continue.NAN celebrates success of life-saving program Special recognition was given to the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Kings hockey team, who spelled out CHOOSE LIFE during a tourna-ment in Sioux Lookout back in 2017 in memory of an 11-year-old KI member who took her own life. These former team members were honoured with replicas of their original jerseys emblazoned with Choose Life.The KI Kings reminded us to choose our youth, said NAN Grand Chief Derek Fox, who reached the semi-pro level during his hockey career. Choose Life has given our young people and commun-ities a renewed sense of pride about who Members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Kings hockey team were honoured with replicas of the jerseysthey are and where they come from. Lives they wore when they spelled out CHOOSE LIFE during a 2017 hockey tournament in Sioux Lookout. are being saved.I t was a celebration of life, loveand pride in our children, youth andAs of December 2022, 65 Choose Life and community as Nishnawbefamilies, said NAN Deputy Grandapplications for the 2022-2023 fiscal year Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs andChief Bobby Narcisse, who signed awere approved for funding for 37 NAN Councils, Elders, youth, ChooseTerms of Reference with IndigenousFirst Nations, Tribal Councils, and educa-Life Coordinators and other leadersServices Minister Patty Hajdu, commit- tion and health organizations. Choose celebrated the success of the Choose Lifeting NAN and our federal Treaty partnerLife will continue to be funded at current program at the inaugural Choose to negotiate long-term funding through alevels while long-term funding is agreed YOUth Celebration. Choose Life Table. upon by NAN and Canada in thefinal settlement.The three-day meeting, heldLaunched in 2017, Choose Life is aA 2021 video documents the success September 28-30, 2022 in Ottawa,NAN-specific initiative funded by theof Choose Life and highlights the work celebrated the success of the Choose Lifefederal government through Jordansbeing done across NAN communities, program and marked a milestone forPrinciple that bridges service gaps bywith first-hand experiences through sustainable, long-term funding to allowproviding mental health and community- Choose Life programs from NAN leaders, these life-saving activities to continue thebased supports that promote healingyouth and Choose Life Coordinators.healing path forward for First Nationsand wellness. To date, nearly $70 million communities and citizens across has been approved for organizationsNAN is excited to announce that the NAN territory. and communities supporting more thansecond annual Choose Life AGM willI have been proud to witness how21,000 of our children and youth. be held on August 29-31, 2023 inthe life-saving activities supportedI am incredibly proud of the workThunder Bay, Ont.!by Choose Life are helping our Firstthat is being accomplished throughFor more information on Choose Life, please Nations communities build resiliencyChoose Life, and the feedback from ourvisit nan.ca/resources/choose-life.36l I ssue2 2022/23C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'