City partners with Hurricanes for Indigenous Hockey night to close out Reconciliation Week

Press Release

September 25, 2024

The City of Lethbridge is proud to partner with the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club as they welcome hockey fans to a night of Indigenous cultural celebration this Friday, September 27.

The partnership aligns with the City’s ongoing efforts to promote Reconciliation in the community by highlighting Indigenous cultural identity and heritage. These efforts help to create a shared understanding of what Reconciliation means to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in southern Alberta.

“Working to support the Hurricanes in promoting Indigenous culture is a fantastic way to engage with a wide range of people in the community,” says Echo Nowak, Indigenous Relations Specialist. “Working towards Reconciliation doesn’t always have to be hard and serious. This partnership shows people that you can enjoy a great night out at the rink while celebrating Indigenous culture too.”

Closing out Reconciliation Week in the city, this is the first time the community-owned hockey team has hosted a themed night celebrating Indigenous culture.

“The Hurricanes are excited to partner with the City of Lethbridge to further promote Reconciliation in our community,” says Kathy Hong, Director of Marketing and Communications. “We look forward to celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage, an important facet to Lethbridge and southern Alberta. We encourage fans to take the time to engage with volunteers at the game, to learn more about Indigenous history in Canada, and what fans can do as we, as a society, work toward Reconciliation.”

In another first, the Hurricanes will now include the City’s Oki video as part of their game night entertainment. Oki, the Blackfoot word for ‘greetings’, was adopted as the City’s official greeting in 2019 to align with the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

“By recognizing the rich history and culture of Indigenous people in a way we haven’t before, we hope to spark more curiosity in some folks who perhaps haven’t thought to learn about it before,” says Nowak.

As part of Friday night’s game, the City will also be partnering with the Lethbridge Sport Council to offer this year’s Orange Shirt for ‘Canes fans.

The shirt was designed by Blackfoot artist, Deserae Ootoh’kotskinna (Yellow Horn) Akik’inakii (Stars twinkling at the same time). Akik’inakii’s design connects to the Blackfoot story of the Pleiades, who were once neglected children. The design shows one child being helped up to their feet by another, symbolizing hope and unity.

“Fans are also encouraged to wear an orange shirt to the game, or purchase one at the game,” says Hong.

Shirts can be purchased by donation at the game while supplies last, with all proceeds going to support the All Kids Can Play program.

Blood Tribe artist, Tsuaki Marule, will sing O Canada in Blackfoot and English to kick off the game that sees the Hurricanes host the Swift Current Broncos at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

Click here and enter the code RECONCILIATION to get a discount on your tickets for Friday night’s game.

For Public Inquiries:

Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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