Cultural Goals: Integrating Indigenous Art and Traditions in U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship
By Carrie Croft, Special to U SPORTS
The University of Saskatchewan marked its first-ever U SPORTS Women's Hockey National Championship by highlighting its commitment to promoting women's hockey and acknowledging the rich Indigenous heritage of the land.
As part of a cultural exchange and recognition, the Indigenous community in Saskatoon gifted each university team participating in the 2024 U SPORTS Women's Hockey National Championship a unique Star Blanket and custom-made hockey sticks crafted by a local artisan.
The presentation of a Star Blanket by Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Saskatoon Tribal Council is a gesture of deep cultural significance.
“This Star blanket represents the First Nations people of Treaty 6 territory. We share this gift with visitors from across turtle island and welcome them to Saskatoon. This Starblanket is a symbol of honouring the teams and communities they represent. This gift is special to the First Nations and we share it in a good way,” said Chief Arcand. "We at the Saskatoon Tribal Council would like to thank the University of Saskatchewan for including the First Nations culture to share with the world on a national stage for all to enjoy and cherish."
The players of the game received hand painted hockey sticks made by local artist Audrey Armstrong of Soul Spirit Creations.
"As a Nehiyaw Iskwew, having my artwork included in sporting events such as the women's national championship is important to me because I feel that there is such a low number of First Nation and Metis women represented in high level competitive sport,” said Armstrong. “Having an opportunity like this helps to give us representation and inclusion in a small way, and it feels really good to see us being represented in a positive way on a national platform."
The 2024 championship, under the theme “See Them, Be Them,” aimed to highlight and celebrate female role models in the community and empower girls and women in sport, and serve as a platform for cultural integration and mutual respect.
“Receiving these beautiful gifts was an incredibly moving experience. It's more than just a gift; it's a lesson in culture, respect, and unity. I feel honored to carry a piece of the indigenous community's heritage with me, and it inspires me to understand and appreciate the rich history of the land we compete on,” said Sophie Lalor, forward for the Saskatchewan Huskies from Penticton, BC.
The 2024 tournament was held at Merlis Belsher Place at the University of Saskatchewan from March 14-17, 2024.
“U SPORTS is honoured to have hosted this tournament on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and to have the opportunity to integrate the rich traditions and art of the indigenous community into this year's U SPORTS Women’s Hockey National Championship,” said Lisette Johnson-Stapley, former U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. “The generous gifts of quilts and artwork not only deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture but also further weave a thread of unity and respect throughout the event."