Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund receives legacy contribution to expand leadership opportunities across Atlantic Canada
EAST HANTS, NS – Three years after thousands gathered in Kjipukuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, and Millbrook First Nation for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), the spirit and legacy of the Games continues.
The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund (GFMF) is honoured to receive a legacy gift of $250,000 from the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society. An additional contribution will be made for a similar amount at a later date. The investment will support the continued growth of Fund’s flagship program, the Nikanus (nig-ah-noos) Red Dress Leadership Award, while strengthening the Fund’s capacity to create meaningful sport, recreation, and physical activity opportunities for Indigenous women and girls in Atlantic Canada.
“It was always our goal to ensure 2023 NAIG was a success in every respect, as the largest multi-sport and cultural gathering in Atlantic Canada since contact. Part of our definition of success is knowing there will be positive impacts for generations to come,” said Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, Chair of the 2023 NAIG Host Society. “We are thrilled to share that these legacy funds from 2023 NAIG will support the great work of the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, enabling sport and recreation opportunities for Indigenous women and girls in our region for generations.”
Established in 2022 through the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation, the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund was created by Ryan Francis (Wasoqopa’q First Nation) following his work with the Indigenous Girls Hockey Program. The Fund honours the legacy of Genevieve Francis by creating pathways for Indigenous women and girls to lead, participate and thrive through sport and community.
The legacy contribution was celebrated during a cheque presentation on Sunday, July 19 alongside an Indigenous Girls Hockey Jamboree hosted by GFMF and partners organizations. The event brought together athletes, leaders and role models including former PWHL player and Team Canada alum, Victoria Bach (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) and former U SPORTS women’s hockey player, Erin Denny (Eskasoni First Nation), an inaugural recipient of the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award.
“Receiving the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award was an incredible honour because it recognized not only my journey as an athlete, but also the importance of giving back and creating positive change in my community. Opportunities like this remind young Indigenous women and girls that their leadership matters, their voices matter, and there is a strong network of people cheering them on as they pursue their goals,” said Erin Denny, former U SPORTS women’s hockey player and inaugural recipient of the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award.
“Moments like today remind us why this work matters. Seeing Indigenous girls come together, build confidence, and see what is possible is exactly why the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund was created. We are grateful to the 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society for supporting this work and helping us continue creating opportunities for future generations,” said Ryan Francis, Founder of the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund.
Created in partnership with the 2023 NAIG Host Society Red Dress Committee, the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award recognizes Indigenous women and girls who demonstrate leadership through sport, culture, and community. Each year, four recipients receive a $1,027 financial award to support their educational journey, along with a ribbon skirt honouring their leadership, achievements, and connection to culture. Applications for the 2026 Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award open August 16 and close on September 27.
To learn more about the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, the Nikanus Red Dress Leadership Award, or ways to support opportunities for Indigenous women and girls through sport, visit www.thegenevievefund.com.
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Media Contact
Ryan Francis, Founder
[email protected]
About Designated Funds
The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund is one of several Designated Funds stewarded by the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation. Designated Funds allow individuals, families, and organizations to create lasting charitable impact while benefiting from the Foundation’s governance, investment management, and philanthropic expertise.
Interested in creating your own legacy?
Contact us [email protected] to learn more about establishing a Designated Fund.