EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers will recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Oil Country during the team’s annual Indigenous Celebration game on Thursday, October 22, when the club hosts the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Place. The game will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty Six.
As part of the celebration, the Oilers are honoured to welcome distinguished Elders and leaders, including International Chief Wilton Littlechild of Ermineskin Cree Nation; Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Grand Chief Joey Pete of Sunchild First Nation; Treaty Eight First Nations Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi of Beaver First Nation; Chief Cody Thomas of Enoch Cree Nation; Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government; Dave Lamouche, President of the Métis Settlements General Council; and Inuit Elder Edna Elias.
“As we mark the 150th anniversary of Treaty Six, we have an opportunity to honour the history, leadership and resilience of Indigenous Peoples while strengthening relationships for generations to come,” said International Chief Wilton Littlechild. “Through sport, we can foster connection, create opportunities for Indigenous youth and build a stronger sense of belonging—helping young people grow in confidence and carry that strength into their communities and futures.”
This year’s celebration will feature a pre-game ceremony honouring Indigenous Elders and youth from across Northern Alberta in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Treaty Six. The evening will also include performances on the concourse by Métis dancers and fiddlers representing all eight land-based Métis Settlements, along with a live DJ set by Jakobi Omeasoo of Samson Cree Nation during the first and second intermissions. Game night pageantry will once again feature the iconic Turtle Island logo, designed by Lance Cardinal of Bigstone Cree Nation. Indigenous hockey players from Enoch Cree Minor Hockey Association will also take part in the first intermission as part of the Every Kid Deserves a Shot shootout.
“The Oilers have a deep and longstanding relationship with Indigenous communities across Oil Country, built through a shared love of the team and many years of working together in the community,” said Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President, OEG Sports & Entertainment. “As we mark the 150th anniversary of Treaty Six, this year’s Indigenous Celebration game is an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and leadership and reflect on the significance of this important milestone. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built over many years, and we look forward to building on them for generations to come.”
Limited tickets for Thursday's game are still available at EdmontonOilers.com/Tickets. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.
The EOCF 50/50 presented by Rogers is in support of Spirit North for the Oilers Indigenous Celebration game. Spirit North is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through sport and play.
“We are grateful to be part of the Oilers 50/50 raffle alongside Pepsi and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation," said Gary St. Amand, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit North. "This support helps us deepen our partnerships with 35 Indigenous communities across Alberta and provide opportunities for more than 3,500 youth in Northern Alberta to experience the joy of sport and play, connect with the land, and build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Together, we're helping Indigenous youth discover their strengths and realize their unstoppable potential.”
