‘It’s a statement:’ Blueberry River First Nations start Sober Golf League

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The councillor of a northeast B.C. First Nation is looking to give people support and promote healthy living through the game of golf.

Simone Chipesia is a councillor with Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN), having recently been elected to represent the family of Dan Apsassin.

Chipesia recently announced her intentions to start a new Sober Golf League for BRFN members on LinkedIn. 

In an interview with Energeticcity.ca, Chipesia said she first took up a set of clubs eight years ago. 

She said the game influenced her decision to pursue sobriety in 2022.

“When I went through sobriety, there was a big [question] of ‘well, what do I do with my free time?’” said Chipesia. “I had to identify ‘how do I have fun? What hobbies do I have?’ I realized I loved golf, and golf does not have to revolve around drinking.”

“[The league] is a statement: We are here to play golf, and we’re here to do it sober, which is an option. A lot of people don’t understand that.”

She says the league is a space for any BRFN member who wants a sober environment while pursuing an active lifestyle.

“[The league] is creating a space and a program and promoting that substance-free space,” explained Chipesia. “It’s to promote that healthy lifestyle of sportsmanship, sobriety and community engagement.”

Chipesia told Energeticcity.ca she’s had talks with potential sponsors about both the men’s and women’s teams, named the Blueberry Bogeys and the Blueberry Birdies, respectively.

The team has already had an invitation to the Horse Lake First Nation’s tournament in June, and Chipesia hopes the teams will enter some summertime golf competitions.

The BRFN Sober Golf League will also play two league nights a week throughout the season. 

Ultimately, Chipesia wants her work promoting the league to inspire others in pursuing sport in the BRFN community.

“I would like this to inspire members to start [their] own club or league,” said Chipesia. “If they want to start a ski club or [play] tennis. Anything where they can get people together in an organized sport and people are engaged.” 

“They are contributing, it is social, and just getting that connection back between people in the community and in a substance-free environment.”

The BRFN Sober Golf League will run from May until October. 

To become a sponsor of the BRFN Sober Golf League, email Chipesia at schipesia@blueberryriverfn.ca.