CALGARY HITMEN AND SIKSIKA HOST EVERY CHILD MATTERS PRESS CONFERENCE AND NAMING CEREMONY
On Wednesday afternoon the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club and Siksika Health Services delegates briefed the press on the details of the Every Child Matters hockey game, which will take place on March 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The game will be broadcast in Blackfoot on CJWE Windspeaker Radio. On the concourse, various partners will be present teaching Blackfoot culture and traditional Blackfoot cuisine will be available for purchase. In game presentation will include traditional dance as well as special video content.
During the press conference, Farley the Fox (Hitmen Mascot), was presented with a traditional drum made by Frank Turning Robe. It was announced that Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society, will be in attendance at the Every Child Matters Game. It was also announced that as part of the Memorandum Of Understanding, signed between the Calgary Hitmen and Siksika Health Services last August, Hitmen players, staff and members of the HEROS Hockey program will be participating in Naloxalone training on April 5th.
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 16, 2022: Calgary Hitmen VP Mike Moore speaks at the Every Child Matters game press conference. (Photo by Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen)
After the press conference concluded, members of the press and Calgary Sports and Entertainment staff remained onsite immediately following to witness a traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony. The ceremony was to honour Calgary Hitmen Vice President and Governor Mike Moore. The name given to him is Saapaatsiimaitapii is sin meaning “Tender, caring, humble, understanding – encompassing of all these things”.
“I am honoured and speechless to have received this recognition and Blackfoot name. My friendship with my brother Tyler White is special and the relationship that myself and the Hitmen have with Siksika is extremely meaningful to us as an organization and CSEC as a whole.” said Mike Moore, VP of the Calgary Hitmen. “I will forever cherish this honour and look forward to continuing our work together.”
This is the second annual “Every Child Matters” game presented by the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club and Siksika Health Services, this year in partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, Okaki, and the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Together, the partners are working to address stereotypes and racism by advancing inclusion in our communities through the promotion of Indigenous culture, language and history, and promote healthy lifestyles for all youth by highlighting the benefits of participation in sport and physical literacy. The Every Child Matters game is an opportunity for those in attendance to acquire greater exposure, education, and understanding of the impact residential schools and form a path towards truth and reconciliation.
The Calgary Hitmen announce the details for the Every Child Matters game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Candice Ward/Calgary Hitmen)
