Siksika Nation partners with Flames

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation and the Calgary Flames Foundation are partnering up to provide new opportunities to locals with the establishment of an outdoor hockey rink in Siksika Nation.

According to the foundation, the rink will serve approximately 4,000 people, with six schools in the surrounding area. The outdoor rink will also be the first of its kind in Siksika Nation.

Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot said during a press conference on Dec. 7 that he’s excited to be able to provide local youth with access to another facility for sport.

“An outdoor rink is a lot more than an outdoor rink. A basketball court is a lot more than a basketball court. It builds character, it builds qualities that instill value in each individual,” said Chief Crowfoot.

“That’s some of the things that we’re trying to do here in Siksika is to improve the self-esteem and improve the quality of life for our people.”

Chief Crowfoot added that it feels like a significant step forward for the nation, not only with reconciliation in mind, but also the overall wellness of the locals residing in Siksika. 

“A lot of our people have a lot of barriers in place. I’m not trying to use that as an excuse, but one of the things that we’re trying to do with these partnerships is overcome those barriers,” Chief Crowfoot explained.

“You’re told ‘you’re less than, you’re less than, you’re less than,’ you hear that decade after decade after decade and you start to believe it.” 

Siksika Health Services were also involved in the partnership with the Calgary Flames Foundation, as the mandate of the organization is to provide comprehensive health and wellness services in Siksika Nation.

Tyler White, Siksika Health Services CEO, said a partnership such as this one will do more for the community than simply provide easier access to sport.

“It really transcends hockey. It’s also about saving lives (and) investing in our youth,” said White.

“So, if we can break down some of those barriers and make it more accessible, you give those kids a lot more opportunities than they (otherwise) would have,” added Chief Crowfoot.

“Kids are going to be busy one way or another and we want to have them be busy with something that’s going to build positive character instead of something that’s going to be destructive.”

During the press conference on Tuesday announcing the development, neither an opening date nor construction budget were disclosed.

As another result of the partnership between Siksika Nation and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, by which the Calgary Flames Foundation is affiliated, the Every Child Matters Calgary Hitmen Game is scheduled to return for its annual play on Jan. 15, 2022.