Canadiens celebrate Indigenous cultures

MONTREAL -- This Saturday, March 26, the Montreal Canadiens will hold their inaugural Indigenous Celebration Night, as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.

For the occasion, chiefs representing several Nations, as well as elders and members of various Indigenous communities in Quebec, will be present for this evening during which the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures will be honored.
"At the beginning of the season, we made a commitment to take part in the reconciliation process by putting forward initiatives aimed at recognizing, honoring and supporting Indigenous peoples," said Geoff Molson, owner, president and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens. "Through our actions, we want to inspire positive change in terms of diversity and equity within our sport, both on and off the ice, as well as in the community, in order to provide all players and fans an inclusive and welcoming environment, free from any form of racism or discrimination."

"The fight against the different forms of racism and discrimination against Indigenous people is still not over. I would therefore like to warmly thank the Montreal Canadiens for this game in tribute to the First Peoples of Quebec, which will certainly inspire other organizations to take action and make a difference. Initiatives such as this one not only make it possible to highlight the richness of our cultures, but they also strengthen the ties that unite our communities and our nations," added Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador.
The creativity, skills and traditions of these First Peoples will be highlighted as soon as doors open at the Bell Centre on Saturday. The national anthem will be performed in French, English and Cree by singer-songwriter
Pakesso Mukash
. A member of the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee, Mr. Mukash is originally from the Whapmagoostui First Nation, the only Cree community located in Nunavik, in Northern Quebec. Fans will also be able to take in songs by Indigenous artists throughout the game, while Anishinaabe DJ and producer
Boogey The Beat
, who blends traditional Indigenous rhythms with modern electronic beats, will animate both the players and the crowd during the
Monster Energy pregame DJ set
.

Prior to the game, Montreal Canadiens players will wear warmup jerseys created by
Thomas Deer
, a Mohawk artist from Kahnawà:ke, on the south shore of Montreal. In the spirit of peace, friendship and reconciliation, the front of these orange jerseys - a tribute to the "Orange Shirt Day" - will feature a Two Row Wampum, a symbol of coexistence and mutual respect between Indigenous and European peoples. These unique collectible items are already up for auction at
indigenous.bidandraise.com
, and the public will have until Tuesday, March 29 at 9:00 p.m. to place their bids. Also committed to fostering inclusion and community, Tim Hortons has chosen to join this initiative by matching the amount raised through this auction, up to a maximum of $20,000. Finally, fans who wish to contribute will be able to do so by purchasing a limited-edition cap, t-shirt or hoodie, inspired by the jersey designed by Deer, through the Tricolore Sports store.
The funds raised through this auction powered by Tim Hortons, as well as through the sale of Indigenous-themed merch, will be donated to the
New Pathways Foundation
and
Puamun Meshkenu
, two organizations working with Indigenous youth in Quebec. With a mission to engage and support First Nations youth in Quebec in their well-being, their individual and collective development, and their fulfillment, the New Pathways Foundation creates initiatives that allow them to explore new horizons, while strengthening their cultural identity, pride, and sense of belonging.

"It is a privilege for the New Pathways Foundation to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens for their Indigenous Celebration Night. Thanks to their support, many First Nations youth will have an unforgettable experience by participating in the New Pathways camps. These camps not only bring joy to our kids and fill their eyes with wonder, but they also provide them with a safe space where their culture can flourish. The contribution of the Canadiens will help us achieve our objective, which is to help develop the self-esteem, the ability to dream and the power of commitment of our youth," said Marie-Claude Cleary, executive director of the New Pathways Foundation.
The evening will also support the Youth Ambassadors program of Puamun Meshkenu, an organization founded by Dr. Stanley Vollant, the first Indigenous surgeon in Quebec, to inspire and support Indigenous peoples to develop their full potential. This program aims to support, train, and contribute to the development of lndigenous youth by allowing them to acquire new skills and work experiences. In order to multiply the opportunities for public speaking, two young Puamun Meshkenu ambassadors, Coralie Niquay from the Atikamekw Nation and Tatiana Jourdain-Rock from the Innu Nation, will have the opportunity to present the starting line-up and to give radio interviews.
"For many generations, the Montreal Canadiens have inspired Indigenous people of all ages by promoting values such as surpassing oneself and healthy lifestyles. Since we share these values, we are proud to walk alongside the Montreal Canadiens in this tribute game to First Peoples," explained Dr. Stanley Vollant, president of Puamun Meshkenu. "It is initiatives like this that inspire members of Indigenous communities to forge their own path and reach their full potential."

About the New Pathways Foundation
Founded by First Nations for the benefit of its youth in 2010, the New Pathways Foundation works for the future and the well-being of First Nations youth in Quebec. Its mission is to foster the self-fulfilment of youth confident in a better future thanks to a strong identity. The New Pathways Foundation develops for First Nations youth concrete and positive experiences that are in their image, and which take place both inside and outside the communities.
About Puamun Meshkenu
Puamun Meshkenu - Innu for "path of a thousand dreams" - is a non-profit organization created in 2016 by Dr. Stanley Vollant. Since its foundation, the organization works to inspire Indigenous peoples and support them in developing to their full potential. Just like his ancestor Innu Meshkenu, Puamun Meshkenu initiates projects with the goal of having a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of Indigenous youth and to create a structuring movement for all Indigenous communities in Quebec.