Kehewin Cree Nation unveils new Baseball Diamond thanks to community effort and Jays Care Foundation Grant

A new chapter in community sports has begun in Kehewin Cree Nation with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art multi-use baseball diamond. The project, which transforms an old cow pasture into a vibrant sports facility, was made possible through a unique collaboration between local businesses, community members, and a generous grant from the Jays Care Foundation.

The initiative was spearheaded by Atlantic Fence, an Alberta-based, First Nations-owned fencing company, in partnership with Tribal Chief Ventures. The idea was initially proposed by Stephanie Angus of Tribal Chief Ventures, who envisioned converting the underused land into a space where local youth and adults alike could engage in baseball, T-ball, and slow-pitch.

Justin Gladue of Atlantic Fence, who hails from Kehewin, played a key role in bringing the project to life. “Stephanie approached us with this great idea, and we jumped at the chance to give back to the community,” Gladue shared. “Through a lot of back and forth, we developed a plan and layout for how the diamond should look, and then we just rolled with it.”

The project was truly a community effort, with local businesses like Homegrown Hydro Seeding in Bonnyville and Rockslide providing essential materials and services. Community members also volunteered their time and labor, ensuring that the new diamond was ready for use.

The Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, provided crucial funding for the project through one of its community grants. The Foundation is committed to helping children and youth across Canada overcome barriers and achieve their potential, and the new baseball diamond in Kehewin is a testament to this mission. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on building safe spaces, empowering communities, and improving the health and well-being of youth through baseball and other sports.

The new diamond, located near the powwow grounds in Kehewin, is designed to accommodate players of all ages, from U5s to adults. The facility includes a new backstop, and although some finishing touches are still required, it is already being hailed as a significant asset to the community.

“We’re thrilled with how it turned out,” said Gladue. “It’s not just a place to play ball; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.”

To celebrate the completion of the project, a community barbecue was held at the new diamond, drawing residents and visitors alike. The event featured tours of the facility and gave everyone a chance to see firsthand the hard work that went into creating this new community hub.

As Kehewin Cree Nation looks forward to many seasons of baseball and community gatherings at the new diamond, the impact of this project is already being felt. Thanks to the collective efforts of local businesses, community members, and the Jays Care Foundation, Kehewin now has a space that will bring people together for years to come.

For more information on the Jays Care Foundation and its initiatives, visit Jays Care Foundation.