Brendan McCardle

After graduating from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in 2010, Brendan pursued a Bachelor of Sport Management at Brock University. In the final year of his degree, he took a course in Indigenous studies which ultimately steered him towards his future career path. Through hands-on learning and engaging dialogue, the course promoted the sharing of Indigenous knowledge and history, which he had not yet explored in his formal education.

A co-op placement with Right To Play’s “Promoting Life-Skills in Aboriginal Youth” (PLAY) program perfectly aligned his passion for sport with his new-found interest in Indigenous history and culture. During this placement, Brendan lived in Slate Falls First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation in northern Ontario where he worked alongside local youth workers to deliver safe, fun, and educational programming for children and youth. The impact of Brendan’s experiences led him to the northern First Nation community of Waskaganish, Quebec. As a Leadership and Healthy Living Project Coordinator, he planned and facilitated activities designed to build a more engaging and enjoyable school environment.

Today, Brendan is thrilled to once again be working with Right To Play’s PLAY program in Vancouver, British Columbia on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. “I have the opportunity to train, support, and learn from youth workers in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the country as they develop strong, supportive relationships with youth in their communities. Every day, I’m grateful to hear about or be witness to the incredible accomplishments of children and youth, and I’m eager to see the country we’ll be living in when they’re leading it!”