The NHL father-son duo of Reggie and Jamie Leach is in Grande Prairie this week sharing their story of achieving their dreams.
They’re the only Aboriginal father and son to both have their names on the Stanley Cup, after Reggie won in 1975 with the Philadelphia Flyers and Jamie won in both ’91 and ’92 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Peace Wapiti School Division First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Coordinator Darrell Willier hopes the students learn they can achieve their goals with the right choices.
“They’re going to be talking about the importance of education, setting goals and dreams, working for those goals and dreams, and learning and living a life of honesty, respect and integrity.”
Willier wants the students to see their goals also aren’t too big for where they’re from, as Reggie grew up in a hamlet of 600 people.
“When he talks about goals and dreams and what he’s had to do and the choices he’s made to get him to where he was and where he’s at, then I think more students, as well as other people, listen to what the message is about.”
He also hopes by bringing in successful Aboriginal role models, they can help break down negative stereotypes.
The pair is making eight stops at schools around the region throughout the week.