‘JUST THE BEGINNING’
Already years in the making, Thursday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Calgary Hitmen and Siksika Health Services was not the punctuation of a partnership, but rather a new beginning.
“It’s a relationship that’s been built from the day we came out here the first time with our players,” said Hitmen Vice President Mike Moore. “This is such a wonderful opportunity to educate and teach and guide our youth and all communities forward in how we do things right, and the power in how we do things.”
The first-of-its-kind MOU formalizes a relationship that’s been building since the 2018-19 season, with each side committing to working goals for the years ahead. Using a mentorship program between the Hitmen and youth players from Siksika, the bond is aimed at building participation in sport while addressing stereotypes and racism, as well as promoting Blackfoot culture, language and history.
“When we started this journey together it was sort of a leap of faith. We didn’t know where we were going. It felt good, though. It felt right,” said Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health. “I fondly remember, as we saw the players from the Hitmen come in, they didn’t know what to expect but they came into our community. They were invited into our nation. We had the practice, then we had the meal afterwards. We were showcasing our culture, showcasing our dancing.
“There was just this excitement – you could see the expression on the kids’ faces as the (Hitmen) players hit the ice. Even as the players sat down for a traditional meal afterwards, they were caught up in the dance and in the performances. It was a real sharing of our culture, and a reciprocal respect and appreciation of what we were doing.”
The practice in January of 2019 that White referenced was the first trip for the Hitmen as a team. Hitmen players skated in front of a full arena, complete with a ceremonial introduction, before making their way to a ceremonial dinner where they witnessed traditional Siksika dances and ultimately participated in a round dance with every member of the team participating.
“It was a really special, emotional first meeting,” said Hitmen Manager of Business Operations Rob Kerr. “It was the warmest, most inviting thing. They invited us into their community and embraced us. At that point, we knew we were building a special relationship.”
A year later, that first practice grew into the Every Child Matters game, a celebration of Siksika and the culture of the first nations. Tepees could be found on the concourse, indigenous foods at concessions. The game was broadcast with a Blackfoot crew, aired across Alberta. Tribe elders educated fans about Siksika nation and the Blackfoot tribe.
During the second intermission, fans encircled the concourse for a round dance, Hitmen faithful from all backgrounds linking arms in unison with no gaps along the Saddledome walkway.
With as much distance as has been covered, still there is room to grow. Everyone has a part to play to erase the inequities that exist, and hockey can be the vehicle to bridge the gap. While the goals are long-term, it’s understood that it’ll be effort that makes the difference.
Following the signing of Thursday’s Memorandum of Understanding, Siksika Nation presented a cake. On it were the nation’s logo, the Hitmen logo and one phrase, written in blackfoot.
Ikaakiimaat.
Try hard.
“This is just the beginning. In two years, whether it feels like a long time or a short time, it’s just the beginning,” said Moore. “It’s a commitment to making change, continuing to learn and educate, continuing to have an impact on youth, continuing to address racism.
“We’re honoured to be a part of this, and we look forward to many days ahead where we’ll make change and continue to grow.”
