LAUNCHING: The Indigenous Celebration game returns on Wednesday

EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers will recognize and celebrate the culture, history, leadership and talent of Indigenous peoples and communities during their Indigenous Celebration Game on Wednesday, November 6 when the club hosts the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place.

As part of the celebration, the Oilers are honored to host these distinguished elders: International Chief Wilton Littlechild, Treaty Six First Nation Grand Chief/Cree First Nation Chief Enoch Cody Thomas, Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Inuit Elder Edna Elias, Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government and Dave Lamouche, President of the Metis Settlement General Council.

“I am grateful to OEG and the continued partnership and dedication of OEG and the Edmonton Oilers to making the game of hockey more inclusive and welcoming to Indigenous peoples,” said International Chief Wilton Littlechild. “Their efforts to highlight our culture through this annual celebration game is not only good for hockey, it contributes to a better understanding of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and makes our community more inclusive and welcoming to all.”

This year’s celebration will include a pre-game ceremony recognizing Indigenous leaders from northern Alberta with performances by Indigenous drummers and dancers. The celebration will also include Metis fiddler Alex Kusturok performing in the Rogers Place arena before the game and in the bowl during the second half, Enoch Cree Nation’s Christina Hollingworth performing O Canada in Cree and Enoch minor hockey players Cree attending Rogers. Skills Challenge in the first break.

“OEG Sports & Entertainment and the Oilers are honored to once again host our Indigenous Celebration game,” said Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President, OEG Sports & Entertainment. “This game gives our fans the opportunity to learn about the history, culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples while honoring the important Indigenous community and fan base right here in Oil Country. We value our long-standing relationship with the Indigenous community and are committed to deepening our understanding so that we can continue to honor and set an example for inclusion in the National Hockey League and in our community.”

The Oilers will also recognize three Indigenous leaders in sports who have made an impact in their community and beyond, including former Canadian National Team wrestler Taylor McPherson of the University of Alberta, Concordia University women’s volleyball head coach Kerrie Buchberger and Fort McMurray community leader Wood Buffalo. and minor hockey coach Shay Laurent.

A limited number of single-game tickets for the Nov. 6 Indigenous Celebration game are still available at EdmontonOilers.com/Tickets.

Wednesday’s Oilers 50/50 presented by Rogers is in support of Spirit North, helping to ensure Indigenous youth have access to quality sports and recreation programs. The jackpot draw will take place at 23:00 after the match on November 6.

“We are incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Oilers 50/50,” said Gary St. Amand, CEO of Spirit North. “This support goes directly to our partnerships with more than 40 Indigenous schools and community groups across Alberta, helping us create programs that connect Indigenous youth to sport, play, the land and their own potential.”

Oilers 50/50 tickets are available to anyone in Alberta at EdmontonOilers.com/5050.