"Thank you to the Chiefs and delegates from all Nations of Treaty 7 for their passionate commitment of time and wisdom over the past months," said CSEC Vice President of Communications and Community Relations, Peter Hanlon. "We have been honoured to come together with you and continue the journey of reconciliation. While the celebration game will be a special night, it is just one component of our commitment to continue to learn from and partner with our indigenous neighbours."
The game, which will also be a national television broadcast on Hockey Night in Canada, will have Flames fans and representatives in attendance from the Blackfoot First Nation tribes of Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai; the Stoney Nakoda First Nation tribes of Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney; and the Tsuut'ina First Nation.
The pre-game show will feature ceremonies involving Chiefs, Elders and Princesses from the Treaty 7 Nations and a land acknowledgement. The Canadian anthem will be performed by Dilayna Blackhorse.
The evening of indigenous celebration will include representatives from Treaty 7 Nations members in the execution of the game presentation. Intermissions will feature children from the Alberta Treaty Minor Hockey Association as well as performances by hoop dancers, chicken dancers and drummers from the 7 Nations.
Flames players will wear a custom warm-up jersey designed by Jacob Alexis and Richard Running Rabbit. The jerseys will be available in auction with proceeds directed to indigenous youth programming. The auction opens at 7:00 p.m. MT on Saturday. In addition, funds raised from the 50/50 jackpot will be directed to charitable initiatives among the Nations.
