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 Toronto Sceptres will host their Indigenous Heritage Unity Game on March 19. 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 Marian Jacko & Wilton Littlechild will take part in the ceremonial puck drop, recognizing the vital role of Indigenous leadership, advocacy, and sport.
Marian Jacko is a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and a trailblazing leader in Indigenous law, child advocacy, and sport. As the Assistant Deputy Attorney General for Indigenous Justice in Ontario and the first Indigenous person to serve as Children’s Lawyer for Ontario, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous youth and families. In addition to her legal work, Marian is deeply connected to hockey, having played at an elite level and continuing to champion Indigenous representation and opportunities within the sport.
Wilton Littlechild (Chief Littlechild) is a proud member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, is a world-renowned lawyer and advocate for Indigenous rights who worked with the United Nations, and as a residential school survivor, led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. He was also the first Treaty First Nation person to become a Member of Parliament, and held position as the Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. A member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and a two-time Tom Longboat Award winner, Chief Littlechild played multiple sports and managed teams while attending the University of Alberta, as well as founding and coaching the first all-Indigenous junior hockey team in Alberta. He also helped to create the North American Indigenous Games and the World Indigenous Nations Games.
