By Jasmine Majoros
On September 14, 2024, the Calgary Stampeders game celebrated with an Indigenous Night in honour of this month’s Truth and Reconciliation. Although kickoff wasn’t until 5 o’clock pm, the event started off with dance demonstrations from Nations from Treaty 7 at 3:30 pm and 1 included during half time. Treaty 7 Royalty Ambassadors were also in attendance, including 2024 Stampede Princess Margaret Holloway from Morley. Siksika’s very own Dilayna Blackhorse was singing the national anthem in the Blackfoot language and even featured the Big Tobacco Relay Team, who rode with the touchdown horse Quick 6.
Many members of Siksika were either in attendance or participating in the demonstrations. Despite the game running into two overtimes, it ended as a tied game of 19-19. As a tight-nit community, Siksika is always honoured to participate in events like this, as it is always a chance to show our community’s accomplishments and pride. With Truth and Reconciliation happening this month, it serves as a reminder just how resilient indigenous communities are. “We’re blessed, and it’s an honour to get to come out here to the Stampeders game today to represent not only Team Big Tobacco but all of Treaty 7 and Siksika,” says Codi Big Tobacco.
