Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your foundation and what led you to focus on this particular cause?

Growing up in Canada, from a very young age I saw the impact of contributing.  My parents modeled that for my siblings and me, and we really understood the importance of community and helping.  When we formed the Steve Nash Foundation, my family took time to really look at where we hoped to effect change; focusing on childhood was something that we all agreed on, primarily because we felt how deeply lucky we were to have had the childhood we enjoyed – a safe place to live, access to healthcare, education, arts and sports and time to just be kids.  We felt that if we could in any way increase those opportunities for others, that was a meaningful place to start.

Could you share some specific programs or initiatives that your foundation has implemented to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in underserved communities?

Early childhood has been a focus for the Steve Nash Foundation for over 15 years now – the return on investment during that prenatal-to-five years period is remarkable, and the science bears that out.  We were fortunate to team with the Buffett Early Childhood Fund and others to bring Educare Arizona to Phoenix while I was playing there.  We’re now in our 13^th school year, helping to provide Early Head Start and Head Start-eligible infants, toddlers and preschoolers with the highest quality start to life and learning; more recently, we helped create Let’s Talk Dads, to bring that science to new fathers. 

What are some of the most memorable success stories or moments you’ve experienced through your foundation’s work, where you’ve seen a significant change in the lives of the youth you’ve supported?

During the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Island community school in B.C. reached out – a teacher-librarian there had a very diverse student population, and knew how significantly her students were affected by both the pandemic and their awakening sense of social justice brought about by current events.  She wrote us with her concern that her library couldn’t support their needs, and could we help. That exchange sparked our READy platform, which works to both increase kids’ access to books that reflect their diverse demographics and perspectives, and provides public schools with social emotional learning curriculum and teacher training to promote empathy, equity and positive outcomes.

In what ways can individuals, communities, or organizations get involved and support the Steve Nash Foundation’s mission to empower and educate young people?

Lots!  From donating – and we have some great items to choose from at stevenash.org/assist – to using our age-and-stage READy book lists when you’re looking for something to read or gift, to coming out and volunteering or playing with us, we so appreciate people using their time and resources to help us grow health in kids. It really does make a difference.

Can you share some key features and benefits that users can expect to experience when using BLOCK, and how do you envision it making a positive impact on people’s overall health and well-being?

BLOCK is an evidence-based curriculum designed to create and integrate healthy habits to improve quality of life with each component. With the “Daily 8,” we created a purposeful, attainable entry point for just about everyone to start a movement habit – it’s eight minutes, we all have it, and with three intensities we can all achieve and repeat it. Our mental health offering is similar in that it begins with 30, 60 and 90-second evidence-based breathing protocols to combat stress, anxiety, lack of focus or mood, giving people accessible bite-sized routines that build into a habit of mental health management. And our sleep prep routines also contribute to changing behaviors. Being able to couple gains in movement, mental health and sleep can help cement some better habits through a more holistic approach – small investments in our own health that really matter.  

Can you tell us about your journey as an indigenous activist and what inspired you to start advocating for indigenous rights and culture?

I started my activist journey back in 2020 when I was posting videos on TikTok. It started when I was getting asked to bring awareness to certain topics that needed attention. So I did just that & ever since then I would post about important issues that we face as an Indigenous community. It was also driven by growing up in Winnipeg where we have to face discriminative & racial tactics against our people, such as MMIWG2S+ or just not being favoured in the justice system. I always remembered hearing the news growing up & seeing an indigenous woman on the tv saying they were missing, all I thought was that could be me next. It’s an ongoing epidemic that needs attention. When I do make activist videos though, I do get hate from people who do not like indigenous people because of the outdated beliefs, I simply just ignore them because obviously we all don’t think the same but there are a lot more people who are starting to stand and become allies with the community which I am very grateful for! As for the culture aspect, I would start posting about it because I remember posting a video of myself in my jingle dress and a lot of people were taken back, they wanted to see more & that’s when I incorporated more culture videos. Not a lot of people know about our cultures/history & I think its important that they know because when I went to school we learned about one paragraph of our people, I had to take a separate course in high school that I had to sign up for. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known about the history I do now & it all makes sense. 

What are some of the key challenges faced by Indigenous communities today, and how do you envision we can help overcome them?

 I can write off this whole page to tell you what we face as a community, there are so many problems that need attention. For example, the environment from indigenous communities, the ecosystem is changing rapidly because of the exploitation of the land from these bigger companies that want something from the community such as water. That can change the way fish live, how the animals survive, the way the land changes & that all circles around back to the community that needs the land to survive due to colonization. A lot of the elders depend on the land to survive, such as hunting for wild meat because the food prices from stores are so high they simply cannot afford. Discriminative justice, we are usually targeted because of how we look or how we live. 

Could you share a particularly impactful moment or experience that has fueled your determination to bring about positive change for Indigenous communities?

When I started getting emails about wanting to be in Teen Vogue or I got asked to model for some companies, that’s when I realized this is real & I’m actually doing it

In your opinion, what role do non-Indigenous individuals and organizations play in supporting the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples, and how can they contribute to positive change?

There’s a big role they have to contribute because there’s only so many of us, we are really the minorities of both countries, Canada and the United States of America. It’s basic human rights that we are bringing awareness to. They need to start by educating themselves & bring awareness to these topics.

How can individuals and communities engage and join efforts to promote Indigenous rights, preserve cultures, and create a more inclusive society?

Start by inviting indigenous peoples to your tables and discuss what needs to be done, because most of the time things aren’t done correctly. Amplify indigenous voices and share their stories!

Can you tell us about the mission and goals of the Marner Assist Foundation, and why you chose to focus on children’s care in your philanthropic efforts?

Our foundation advocates and fundraises for organizations that support children’s social care, health, education, and environmental causes to ensure they have a sustainable future. We are passionate about children’s care because we believe that investing in the next generation is pivotal for shaping a better future. By focusing on their needs, we can give them a strong foundation to thrive and reach their full potential. By allocating resources towards initiatives such as improving access to mental health care, education, and eliminating food insecurity, we are and can continue to create lasting change.  

How has your personal experience with hockey and sports shaped your perspective on the importance of children’s care and well-being, and how does the foundation reflect these values?

Hockey is a sport that requires simple hard work, discipline and teamwork which has taught me that nurturing a child’s physical and mental development is crucial for their overall growth. I have seen how providing children with a safe and supportive environment can not only enhance their performance on the ice, but also improve their academic successes and social connections off the ice. From instilling self-confidence to creating healthy habits and encouraging a sense of community, hockey has highlighted the importance of prioritizing children’s care and well-being. The foundation reflects these values by partnering with organizations that share our ideals and goals, to build a brighter future for all children. 

Could you share some specific initiatives or projects that the Marner Assist Foundation has undertaken to support children’s care and the community?

Two of our biggest organization partners are Second Harvest and FEMAP. Second Harvest aims to address the issue of food insecurity among children and families, with a focus on providing nutritious meals for school lunches. The Marner Assist Foundation has partnered with them to fund their Feeding our Future program and Holiday Food Drive, which has provided more than 400,000 healthy meals to youth in our community. The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program, or FEMAP provides transformative mental health care to youth in London and the surrounding areas. With our partnership, FEMAP has been able to create a revolutionary patient-centered experience, prioritizing early intervention and prevention, with the hope to spread this model across the province to positively impact as many lives as possible. These are only two of the dozen or so programs we support annually. 

In your opinion, what role do professional athletes like yourself play in promoting the well-being of children and the community at large, and how does your foundation contribute to this role?

The influence that professional athletes hold provides a platform to spread awareness about important issues that we all face today.By engaging in fundraising efforts and encouraging children to participate, we serve as powerful examples for their impressionable minds and inspire youth to create change in their own community. The foundation not only supports children’s overall well-being but also fosters a sense of community by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds. Overall, the foundation’s unwavering dedication allows us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

What are your long-term goals for the Marner Assist Foundation in terms of improving children’s care, and how can others get involved or support your efforts?

Our organization has ambitious long-term goals to provide sustainable support and make lasting impact on the communities we serve. Amid our continuing partnerships with organizations such as FEMAP, Second Harvest, 360 Kids, Salvation Army, and Lumenus we strive to transform lives and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. We always welcome new sponsors and donors for our fundraising efforts, it is with your support that we can continue our efforts to Make An Assist.