In honour of Indigenous Peoples Day, First Tee – Alberta is spotlighting its growing relationship with Indigenous communities across the province, fostered through a partnership with the 7 Generations Golf Association (7 Gen Golf).
Aligned in their mission to make golf more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous youth, First Tee – Alberta and 7 Gen Golf are creating opportunities that extend far beyond the course. Through golf and mentorship, the organizations aim to foster confidence, leadership and personal development in young participants.
The partnership officially launched in January 2024. Led by PGA of Alberta teaching professional and First Tee coach Andrew Fox, 7 Gen Golf has since introduced the First Tee program in several Indigenous communities, sparking significant interest and engagement.
Earlier this year, Cold Lake First Nations joined as a First Tee Community Partner, offering the program as part of its youth recreation curriculum. The program has also been introduced to students at John N.A. Janvier School on the Cold Lake First Nations reserve.
“First Tee – Alberta and 7 Generations Golf share a powerful mission: to make golf more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous youth,” said Fox. “Together, we’re creating welcoming spaces where young individuals can grow both on the green and in their everyday lives. It’s inspiring to see how this shared vision is already making a lasting impact in communities across the province.”
Thanks to the efforts of Fox and the 7 Gen Golf team, the First Tee program has already reached 275 Indigenous youth aged five to 12 in Alberta, with that number continuing to grow.
The program’s reach extends beyond participants. In 2025, five Indigenous individuals completed First Tee – Alberta’s series of coach training workshops, becoming certified to deliver the program in their own communities. With more local coaches, the initiative can offer more frequent lessons, community golf events and greater long-term impact.
“Training Indigenous coaches is a vital step in making the program sustainable and community-led,” said Mike Steele, manager of First Tee – Alberta. “We’re deeply grateful for our partnership with 7 Gen Golf — their leadership has been key to building trust, creating opportunity and expanding First Tee’s impact across Indigenous communities.”
Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta and 7 Gen Golf are committed to expanding the program into new Indigenous communities across the province. It’s partnerships like these that are helping grow the game in a meaningful and lasting way.
Get involved with First Tee – Alberta here.