Six Nations Wall Initiative

We’re building a sustainable climbing program in Canada’s largest First Nations reserve.

Climbing has a lack of indigenous faces in our community. This is largely due to a lack of access to local climbing facilities and the financial barrier to entry. By starting a recreational program closer to home, the Ontario Climbing Federation is beginning the process of addressing these issues with the goal of seeing greater representation of indigenous peoples in future competitions.

The Gaylord Powless Arena Wall

The Gaylord Powless Arena in the Six Nations community of Ohsweken currently features an underused 25’ climbing wall. The arena was closed for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and when it reopened the existing options for youth programs filled up quickly. Having climbing as an additional program choice opens the door for more youth who may not be interested in more traditional team sports.

Our Plan

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is working to acquire the equipment required to run a youth recreational program and train local coaches and setters to build and maintain an active climbing community in Six Nations. Following our fundraising period, we expect to begin the program in May 2022. To make this happen we’ll need to purchase shoes and harnesses for the climbers, tools and equipment for the setters and coaches, and more holds and an auto belay to improve the wall.

Funding

The funding for this initiative begins with the $1663 raised during our 2021 webinar series. The OCF is also committing 50% of all revenue from Supporter memberships purchased during the 2021-2022 season. Finally, our fundraising drive in the spring of 2022 brought our funding total to $12,226 for this project. Thank you to everyone who supported this initative!