Hockey Supporting & Acknowledging National Truth and Reconciliation
Hockey Edmonton recognizes that sports can be a powerful catalyst for change. We acknowledge that hockey, much like Canada itself, must actively work to reconcile the colonial injustices it has perpetuated. Below is a collection of educational resources that our organization is utilizing in our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. We invite all Hockey Edmonton fans to engage in this vital journey.
Whether during National Indigenous History Month in June (and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day on September 30), or at any time throughout the year, we encourage our community to explore the resources listed below—simply click on the title to access them.
TRIGGER WARNING: The content below may include distressing details regarding residential schools. If you need support, Canada’s Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.
Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – In March 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded its extensive investigation into the experiences of students in Indian residential schools, revealing years of neglect, abuse, and trauma.
Calls to Action: To address the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlined specific action steps.
What we are reading…
National Indigenous History Month Resources: A list of important, inspiring, and educational materials for June and beyond.
Indigenous Trailblazers: Discover inspiring Indigenous figures, from athletes to activists, who have shaped Canadian history.
Home Game: Rethinking Canada through Indigenous Hockey: Sam McKegney and Michael Auksi discuss the experiences of Cree hockey player Eugene Arcand as a residential school survivor and the challenges Indigenous peoples face in hockey culture. Both are researchers with the Indigenous Hockey Research Network (IHRN).
Policy Paper for Anti-Racism in Canadian Hockey: Authored by Courtney Szto, PhD, Sam McKegney, PhD, Mike Auksi, and Bob Dawson, this paper outlines 10 calls to action for individuals, leagues, organizations, and media to create a more equitable future for the game. It follows a Roundtable on Racism in Hockey held at Queen’s University on March 30, 2019.
Indian Horse: This novel by Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, who is taken from his family and forced into a residential school, where he faces cultural suppression and abuse. However, he finds solace in the sport of hockey.
What we are listening to…
On the Fly podcast: Decolonization, Reconciliation & Hockey with Chief Wilton Littlechild: In this episode, Cree Chief Wilton Littlechild shares his journey and insights on leveraging hockey for understanding and reconciliation.
NPR’s Only a Game: Fred Saskamoose- An Indigenous Trailblazer: This episode highlights Fred Saskamoose, one of the first Indigenous players in the NHL, discussing his experiences with residential schools and hockey.
What we are watching…
In Conversation with Ron Maclean, Dr. Szto, and Donovan Bailey: This episode features Dr. Szto discussing her research on racism in hockey, alongside insights from Bailey on overcoming racial challenges.
Ted Nolan on Indigenous Peoples Day: Former NHL head coach Ted Nolan reflects on the significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day and addresses recent incidents of racism in hockey.
Who we are learning from…
The Orange Jersey Project: Orange Jersey Project is designed to encourage action for truth and reconciliation and can help educate athletes about the true history of the Indian Residential school system in Canada. Orange Jersey Project works to create awareness of the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools and strengthen the path toward truth and reconciliation with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples. Get your team involved with the Orange Jersey Project this season.
Eugene Arcand: A member of the Muskeg Lake First Nation, Eugene Arcand has dedicated his life to advocating for residential school survivors and is a First Nation Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
Janice Forsyth: As an Associate Professor and Director of First Nations Studies at Western University, Janice Forsyth focuses on Indigenous sport and culture, contributing to policy development and serving as President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.
Indigenous Hockey Research Network: This collective of researchers is committed to exploring the historical and contemporary relationship between hockey and Indigenous peoples in Canada.
We appreciate the Peterborough Petes of the CHL for compiling many of these resources to support these important conversations.
