Parkland Valley District Spotlight

Celebrating Community Successes

Date: May, 2025

Issue: 2

File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Shines at the 2025 Tony Cote Winter Games

Photo Credit: File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Facebook

The 2025 Tony Cote Winter Games may be over, but the impact left by the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) is still being felt, and the Parkland Valley District is proud to shine a spotlight on their historic and outstanding performance.

Following a full week of spirited competition in Saskatoon, FHQTC took home top honors, finishing first in the overall standings with 66 points across six sports: badminton, basketball, curling, hockey, table tennis, and volleyball. Their standout performance also earned them the Norman Stevenson Award for most improved team, a recognition that goes beyond medals and highlights the hard work, growth, and community support behind every athlete. "It's the first time since 1999 that we've won the overall Games," said Tara Griffith, with FHQTC. "it's a huge accomplishment and we couldn't be more proud.

Photo Credit: File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Facebook

Teams were selected back in January, giving coaches and athletes time to build chemistry, train hard, and create a shared vision for the Games. That preparation showed, not just in the final standings, but in the energy, teamwork, and heart they brought to every event. “Practices definitely made the difference,” said Tara Griffith, with FHQTC's Sports, Recreation, Culture & Youth. “Our teams were selected by January which gave coaches and athletes ample time to prepare, create team chemistry, and establish a vision for the Games which they were able to execute in Saskatoon.”

Basketball was a standout sport this Games. FHQTC made a major leap in performance from 2023 to 2025, with both U15 girls and boys capturing gold. Their success helped build momentum and gave a confidence boost that spread through the rest of the team. “To see a big team sport like that make such a jump back to the top of the leaderboard was inspiring,” said Griffith. “It created a ripple effect for the remainder of the Games.”

Photo Credit: File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council Facebook

Off the court and beyond the medals, the team’s spirit was also clear to those cheering from home. FHQTC’s social media was filled with moments of joy, big smiles, team celebrations, and powerful displays of unity that resonated far beyond the playing field.

The Tony Cote Games, founded in 1974 by Chief Tony Cote of Cote First Nation, remain a powerful celebration of Indigenous youth, athleticism, and culture. Held every year and alternating between Summer and Winter editions, the Games bring together First Nations from across Saskatchewan for a week of sport, connection, and cultural pride.

This year's Games welcomed over 2500 participants and among them, FHQTC stood out not just for winning, but for how they uplifted their youth and honored their communities.

From all of us in the Parkland Valley District, congratulations to File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, your success is an inspiration, and your leadership is something to celebrate!

Parkland Valley Sport Culture and Recreation District is a non profit voluntary organization working with communities building capacity and creating a strong network of support through sport, culture, and recreation.

Recipients are encouraged to forward the Parkland Valley Insider! to other members of their organizations.

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