Canucks, Odjick celebrate First Nations culture
Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations joined in the opening ceremonies on Thursday
by Dan O'Leary @DanOLeary25 / NHL.com Staff Writer
The Vancouver Canucks celebrated First Nations culture at Rogers Arena on Thursday with a special pregame ceremony featuring representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh Nations and former player Gino Odjick.
Odjick who has devoted his post-playing days to helping all First Nations people.
"It's amazing," Odjick said during an in-game interview. "Everywhere I go, every First Nation community, they're all die-hard Canucks fans. I know they do it for different communities too but we are really proud for First Nations when the do this."
Odjick was presented with a Star Blanket, the highest honor in the First Nations of the Americas for his work with the organization.
The Aquilini Family, owners of the Canucks, were presented with a special Talking Stick as a thank you for their continued work with the First Nations. A Talking Stick is customarily held by the chief of a family or nation that stands with him while speaking.
Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Nation, Chief Leah George-Wilson of the Squamish Nation and Chief Daniel Smith of the Tseil-Waututh Nation shared the ceremonial puck drop between Canucks captain Bo Horvat and Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal.