Siksika Nation, Calgary Canucks host Every Child Matters hockey game

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation and the Calgary Canucks partnered to host the first Every Child Matters game through the AJHL, Sept. 29 ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Richard Running Rabbit, recreation team lead for Siksika Health Services, explained the partnership began roughly 10 weeks ago when the Canucks organization reached out to Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot wanting to create a partnership.

Throughout the process, it has been very good and uplifting. We were invited to their fundraiser gala night … and to see the amount of work and organization that went into that, it really opened our eyes to see what kind of partners that we were working with,” he said. “As Siksika Nation, we always try to put our best foot forward and … this partnership … it is a reciprocal process.”

Running Rabbit reported over 40 elders were bussed from Siksika Nation for the event, and another 46 community members were brought in a second vehicle. He added another approximately 60 came on their own, and another bus brought 15 disabled individuals to the Max Bell Centre. 

Siksika Nation was responsible for the new jerseys the Canucks wore for the occasion, showcasing several aspects of Indigenous culture throughout the design. 

Indigenous designs from partnerships with Siksika have also been featured by the Calgary Hitmen, via their own Every Child Matters and preseason games in Siksika Nation, as well as the Calgary Stampeders, who wore a stylized horse icon, Sept. 30 in Hamilton, Ont. for Truth and Reconciliation Day. 

“Sports is more than just sports. It is a tool that you can use to create social change. It is very powerful,” said Running Rabbit. “The Canucks have been very welcoming to us and a great organization to partner with. This partnership extends beyond this event. It doesn’t end here. They’ve dedicated and committed to doing hockey camps, seven of them throughout the year, with First Nations communities and Treaty 7.”

Running Rabbit added the hope is for the relationship and partnership between Siksika Nation and the Calgary Canucks to continue, and for an Every Child Matters game to take place on an annual basis.

He made a point to also recognize all those who were involved in facilitating the partnership on both sides of the discussion. Running Rabbit expressed his gratitude both to Siksika Nation, and the Calgary Canucks for their efforts. 

“There’s so much we can talk about when it comes to trauma and the hurt and what people endured, but, you know, celebrating our cultures, putting that aside, not forgetting about it, but moving forward in a good way,” he said. “In partnership together, realizing that we’re, we’re all one race … we want to keep sharing that because it’s meant for everybody.”