Dakota Tipi First Nation held a monumental groundbreaking for its new ice rink Thursday afternoon. It was to honour the efforts of the hard work that the youth of the community put forth to see this day come.

"We had special guests like Zach Whitecloud from the NHL, a fellow Dakota role model here from Manitoba. He's from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation," explains Council member Kyle Pashe. "And he came out to give some encouraging words to all of the youth and participants who were at our groundbreaking."

He says the youth came together to clear out the site for the rink, and are all excited to skate in the fall. Pashe says it's not just for hockey. They will adapt the site for basketball and lacrosse as well as soccer. He notes several other activities will be able to be carried through there including community events as well.

Pashe notes they changed locations for the rink, seeing as there were two small buildings they could use as opposed to the former location beside the gaming facility. He says these buildings weren't being used and can serve as dressing rooms. Pashe stresses anyone can come from surrounding communities to utilize the rink. He thanks the youth and all who came out to the ceremony.

Las Vegas Golden Knights' Zach Whitecloud spoke some words of encouragement to the youth, referring to how he achieved a goal of playing hockey for a living. He urged the youth to refrain from bad habits in life and go for what they want to do.

"I jumped on that chance to come out when they asked me," says Whitecloud. "I kind of grew up on outdoor rinks throughout my life. And to be able to come and be a part of this, and them asking me, is a great honour, especially me being a Dakota aboriginal from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. To come to this community is something special."

Evan Lilley, along with Zachary Pashe, applied for the grant to be able to finance the rink.

"The groundbreaking is amazing," says Lilley. "It's something I've been waiting for, ever since this proposal has been approved. To see it finally come to fruition, it's amazing. I've dreamt about this moment for quite a long time because I always wanted somewhere to skate growing up. So, now it's nice to have something finally, especially for me to be able to give back to my community. Now they have a place to go. It's an amazing feeling."

Whitecloud signed NHL items that went up for raffle and signed autographed photos. He took part in the actual groundbreaking with all the youth who worked hard to clear the land and even sell some oak they cut for funds toward the effort.

The grant was for $500,000.