Calgary Flames to celebrate Indigenous history Saturday
Posted Mar 3, 2023 7:44 pm.
Last Updated Mar 3, 2023 7:49 pm.
Chiefs, elders, and princesses from Treaty 7 Nations are heading to the Saddledome Saturday, as the Calgary Flames are set to host their Indigenous Celebration Game.
“For me, it’s about blurring the lines, so to speak, of division and bringing us all together. That’s what’s beautiful about the game,” said Jacob Alexis, co-designer of the Flames’ Indigenous jerseys.
The game aims to honour Indigenous history and culture.
“We didn’t wanna let people down, and we wanted to bring pride to what we’re doing,” said Richard Running Rabbit, the second co-designer of the Flames’ Indigenous jerseys.
As part of the ceremonies, Flames players will wear customized Treaty 7 warm up jerseys, which are designed by Indigenous artists.
The customized Treaty 7 warm up jerseys are designed by Indigenous artists. (Photo Credit: Calgary Flames)
“It’s really cool, I’ve seen the response online, it’s really inspiring,” said Alexis.
After the game, the sweaters will be auctioned off with proceeds directed to local programs in each Treaty 7 community.
“We wanted to make him into a war pony which is why you have the paint and the feathers. To kind of go with that too, we had patches placed on the shoulders representing all the Treaty 7 tribes,” said Running Rabbit.
Looking at the future, Running Rabbit hopes to see each jersey at the opening faceoff.
“This year is just the beginning. It’s a practice-worn jersey. Hopefully next year we get to see a game-worn jersey,” Running Rabbit said.
The game will also feature hoop and chicken dancers, along with drummers from the Seven Nations. A pre-game land acknowledgment will also help to set the scene, though the Flames are the only NHL team in Canada that has yet to adopt the ceremony before every game.
The Flames will take on the wild Saturday with an 8 p.m. puck drop.
