Calgary Flames Host Indigenous Celebration Game, Honour Treaty 7 Nations.

Calgary Flames host Indigenous Celebration Game, honour Treaty 7 nations.

By Blaire Russell, Communications Officer

Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement.

Photos courtesy of the Calgary Flames.

March 8, 2023

On Saturday March 4, 2023, the Calgary Flames hosted their very first Indigenous Celebration Night at the Scotiabank Saddledome which included Blood Tribe Chief Makiinima Roy Fox and other leaders from Treaty 7. The event was held to celebrate Indigenous culture which included a very much-anticipated Land Acknowledgement honouring the nations of Treaty 7. Siksika member Dilayna Blackhorse sang the Canadian national anthem in the Blackfoot language to open the celebration and game against the Minnesota Wild.

Blood Tribe Council member Piinaakoyim Tailfeathers said in a statement, “Sport has a way of bringing people together, blurring the lines of what separates us, and offering a platform for this type of event.” The night was full of celebration of Indigenous culture and paid tribute to athletes from Treaty 7. He further states, “Through partnerships and collaboration, we were able to honour our territory and some of our Blackfoot hockey heroes. It was heartwarming to hear the national anthem sang in the Blackfoot language, and to see our Chiefs front and centre on the world stage.”

Blood Tribe Princess Charaya Mountain Horse represented the Blood Tribe as a flag bearer along with other princesses from Treaty 7, she was accompanied by Kainai Elder Wilton Goodstriker. Wylie Weasel Moccasin and his son represented the Blood Tribe proudly alongside other Treaty 7 drummers who sang in Makiniima and all other Treaty 7 chiefs for a ceremonial puck drop before the game.

Children from the Kainai Board of Education schools and Blood Tribe Recreation and Parks played hockey during the game’s intermission. Two busses and two vans of children and their chaperones were sent from the Blood Tribe to attend the Calgary Flames game and Indigenous Celebration Night.

The Calgary Flames, who were the last Canadian National Hockey League team to do a Land Acknowledgement before their game, will continue the gesture during all home games moving forward. The Indigenous Celebration Night will be an annual event in the Calgary Flames programming. Peter Hanlon, Calgary Sports and Entertainment vice president of communications and community relations thanked all Chiefs and delegates from Treaty 7 and further stated, “We have been honoured to come together with you and continue the journey of reconciliation. While the celebration game will be a special night, it is just one component of our commitment to continue to learn and partner with our indigenous neighbours.”