Indigenous Heritage Celebrations | Ottawa Charge | PWHL - Professional Women's Hockey League

We are proud to celebrate Indigenous Heritage with activations across our Canadian teams, including the unveiling of special Unity Game artwork created by Indigenous artist Alanah Astehtsi̲' Otsistóhkwaˀ (Morningstar) Jewell, a Bear Clan member from Oneida Nation of the Thames.

The Ottawa Charge will host their Indigenous Heritage Unity Game on March 11. The celebrations will highlight community leaders, welcome First Nations youth hockey teams, and incorporate elements unique to Indigenous cultures.

In-Game Activations

Ceremonial Puck Drop: Esteemed Indigenous leaders Claudette Commanda and Alison Fisher will participate in the ceremonial puck drop.

Claudette Commanda is an Algonquin Anishinaabe from Kitigan Zibi and a respected Indigenous rights advocate, educator, and knowledge keeper. She has dedicated her career to advancing Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and reconciliation. As the first Indigenous chancellor of the University of Ottawa, she has been a trailblazer in promoting Indigenous voices and perspectives within academia and beyond. Her presence at the game honors the deep-rooted connections between Indigenous identity, education, and sport.
Alison Fisher is a prominent figure in Indigenous sports leadership, championing the development and inclusion of Indigenous athletes at all levels. With a strong background in advocacy and community engagement, she works to break down barriers and create equitable opportunities for Indigenous youth in hockey and other sports. Her participation in the puck drop symbolizes the ongoing efforts to foster representation, accessibility, and growth within the game for Indigenous athletes.

Featured Community Organizations

Aboriginal Sports Circle
The national voice for Indigenous sport, ASC works to ensure Indigenous athletes, coaches, and communities have equitable access to sports and recreation. By breaking down barriers and advocating for increased representation, they empower Indigenous youth to participate in athletics at all levels. Their involvement in this event reinforces the importance of representation, accessibility, and community-driven support in hockey and beyond.
Learn More, opens in a new tab
Tewegan Housing for Aboriginal Youth
Tewegan provides a safe, culturally supportive transitional home for Indigenous young women facing housing insecurity in Ottawa. Beyond shelter, they offer life skills training, cultural programming, and access to vital resources to help youth build independence and stability. Their participation in this game highlights the connection between community support, cultural identity, and the importance of safe, inclusive spaces in and beyond the world of sports.
Learn More, opens in a new tab
First Assist
First Assist is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through education, sport, and mentorship. By bringing professional athletes and educators into remote Indigenous communities, First Assist provides hands-on learning experiences that blend academics with athletics, fostering confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of identity. Their programs aim to bridge opportunity gaps by ensuring Indigenous youth have access to quality education, positive role models, and the resources needed to succeed both on and off the ice. Their presence at this event highlights the transformative power of sport in building stronger, more connected communities.
Learn More, opens in a new tab

Shop the Artwork

Shop the limited edition PWHL Indigenous Heritage Celebration commemorative poster exclusively in-venue at the Indigenous Celebration Unity Game at TD Place. We are proud to make a contribution to Aboriginal Sport Circle, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous athletes and increasing access to hockey and other sports within Indigenous communities.