As part of the very first Evening of Celebration of Indigenous Peoples organized by the organization of La Belle Province, the skaters of the Canadian put on an orange uniform, designed by the Mohawk artist Thomas Deer, when jumping on the ice, before the start of the game.
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The color orange, used since 2013 on “Orange Shirt Day”, serves to raise awareness and educate the public about the residential school system and its impact on survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.
Several elements on the sweater have been designed to honor Indigenous peoples, including the purple and white two-row wampum, near the logo, which symbolizes coexistence and mutual respect between Indigenous and European peoples.
The covenant chain, on the right shoulder of the uniforms, represents the long tradition of covenants between First Nations and European settlers. The arrow, on the other shoulder, and the pottery motif, on the logo, are also elements honoring the indigenous peoples. The jerseys worn by the players will also be put up for auction and the profits collected will be donated to two organizations working with Aboriginal youth in the province.
The Canadian also took advantage of this day to post a several-minute long video on his Twitter account, featuring Carey Price, who recalls several childhood memories. The masked man has Indigenous roots as his mother, Lynda, is a former chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation in British Columbia.
A festive atmosphere
For the occasion, the Habs invited several Chiefs of Nations, elders and members of various Aboriginal communities in Quebec to the game, as well as Aboriginal artists, so that they could perform.
The pre-game show featured DJ Boogey The Beat, while the national anthem was performed in three languages, Cree, French and English, by Pakesso Mukash, a member of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee.
He confessed to being “excited” to be entrusted with such a mission. “It’s the first time it’s happened at the Bell Center, so it’s a great honor for me,” said Pakesso Mukash. It’s really special that the Canadian gives us the floor.”
“Quebecers know that, in the past, we were embarrassed by our Aboriginal blood,” says Mr. Mukash. He hopes that the evening tonight will be an opportunity for some to discuss Aboriginal heritage.
A variety of Aboriginal songs were also heard throughout the game.