On Monday, Jan. 9, the Yorkton Terriers attended an informational session about First Nations communities, culture and ways in which sports can aid in reconciliation across Canada.
The presentation was given by Senator Ted Quewezance of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), with a section from Danny Whitehawk of the Yorkton Tribal Council.
Quewezance explained that he has been both involved with and a fan of the Terriers for many years, and this partnership seemed to make sense.
“What we’d like to work out with the Yorkton Terriers is to put together a partnership in regards to reconciliation,” Quewezance said.
Quewezance began his presentation by sharing his own experience with residential schools, and progressed to the link between the First Nations communities in Saskatchewan and sports.
He said the goal is to see the Terriers start thinking and scoping out what they can do to work with the many First Nations communities around Yorkton. Eventually, Quewezance would like to see a partnership with the entire Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, followed by the Western Hockey League, and then work their way up to the NHL.
Reconciliation is a process that Quewezance said more people should be involved in, and in sports should be started with young people.
“Let’s, Yorkton, carry the legacy of taking the lead on reconciliation across this country in sports,” said Quewezance in his speech to the room of approximately fifty people.
The Terriers’ President Dave Baron said what he hopes his team will take away from the presentation is a better understanding of another culture.
“We would love to have a partnership between the Yorkton Terriers and any of the First Nations communities, hopefully some of them on ice, but it doesn’t matter,” he said. “As long as we’re working together.”
When asked why now was the time to educate the players and to get the ball rolling on a partnership, Baron said it was just the perfect storm and the perfect timing.
“It’s a small step but it’s got to start somewhere, and it might as well be with us,” said Baron.
The Terriers’ captain Corwin Stevely said the presentation was great for the team and acted as an eye opening experience.
“Sometimes you get away from what’s actually going on, and how easy it’s been for most of us,” he said.
“It shows that there is more you can do than just showing up to the rink every day. There’s opportunities for us as young adults to open up some doors for these younger kids, and it opens up your mind to think of different ways.”
