Partnering with the local Prairie Island Indian Community, Wild players will wear custom Native American Heritage hockey jerseys during warmups to be auctioned off to support the Minnesota Wild Foundation. The auction will go live Friday and run through Dec. 6.
National Native American Heritage Day takes place the day after Thanksgiving and honors American Indians across the United States by celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages while recognizing the many contributions Native Americans have made.
The jerseys, commemorating the Native American culture and tradition, are meant to reflect and highlight the Minnesota Native American community. A Dakota tribe emblem and inscription on the logo honor that community.
"Our tribe is proud to be active and engaged in Minnesota, and giving back is at the core of who we are as Dakota people," Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council President Shelley Buck said. "Our partnership with the Wild gives us a platform to share our story and celebrate our culture with the community, which we are honored to do on this national holiday."
Additionally, the Prairie Island Indian Community and Treasure Island Resort & Casino are also working this hockey season to support the Wild's Big Assist Program with $200 donations on every assist by a Wild player to the Wild Foundation. That specific donation will be used to target the foundation's diversity programing by supporting the hockey is for everyone initiative via scholarships, equipment, and access to playing opportunities.
