Making history at a national sporting event

For the first time in our city’s history, Saskatoon Tribal Council led a grand entry at SaskTel Centre to open the Tim Horton’s Curling Trials. This historic event was made possible by uniting together in partnership with Tourism Saskatoon.

Curling Canada made a commitment to open the Tim Horton’s Canada Olympic Curling Trials in Saskatoon by acknowledging the territorial protocols of Treaty 6 Territory.  It has been an honour to work with them and the local host committee to make this possible.

“We’ve never been involved in an event of this magnitude. We are now bringing reconciliation to the world at this national event,” explains Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “This is a historic event for STC – and the first of many thanks to our partnership with Tourism Saskatoon.”

STC will be invited to present at all major events in Saskatoon, partnering with Tourism Saskatoon and other organizations to provide meaningful opportunities for reconciliation. This is the new norm as we advance, ensuring the TRC’s Call to Action #92 is acted upon.

Tourism Saskatoon CEO Steph Clovechok celebrates their partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council so all sport, cultural, and business events can include territorial protocols and partnerships.

“This partnership allows our organization and global partners to directly respond to the TRC’s Call to Action #92, ensuring Indigenous community members have access to the economic opportunities created through the visitor economy and that protocols are included at every event,” explains Clovechuk. “What we did here today has created an experience for the athletes and spectators that will never be forgotten while providing opportunities for education with the interpretation of the grand entry and blanket ceremony. We are honoured to work and host here on Treaty 6 Territory.”

There was a blanket ceremony after the grand entry. Tribal Chief Arcand and Clovechuk presented each curling team with a star blanket as a gift and welcomed them to Treaty 6 Territory.

Tribal Chief Arcand closed his remarks, saying, “In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we thank you for allowing us to share our songs and culture with you. That’s what reconciliation is, and we have to do it together.”

Reconciliation can happen if we create pathways to the truth.

Watch the Opening Ceremony: https://fb.watch/9rH41IdUvK/