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In reflecting on ways to best use this platform, I want to prioritize recognizing and encouraging positivity when I can. So, here are some thoughts on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast yesterday re: Indigenous inclusion.
Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation report and it's 94 Calls to Action in 2015, HNIC has made a concerted effort to profile Indigenous peoples in and around the game of hockey and to fold land acknowledgements into their broadcast: http://www.trc.ca/
There is a lot of critical discussion about the use of land acknowledgements specifically. To summarize, these must not be the *only* thing settlers/non-Indigenous organizations do. Here is a quick guide for those wanting to know more about the debate: https://native-land.ca/resources/territory-acknowledgement/
Still, I'll admit that it's pretty remarkable to have @RonMacLeanHTH remind millions of viewers that Vancouver is the home of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations to kick off the broadcast. There is power in that.
And, for all my critiques of the @Canucks, last night they started the game with Faith Sparrow Crawford (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) singing the anthem. As a Canucks fan for 30+ years, I would like to see more engagement and Indigenous collaboration, @CanucksPR.
Speaking of which, shout out to @sportsnetmurph for profiling @Holts170's new mask last night, designed in collaboration with Coast Salish (Stz'uminus) artist Luke Marston. @hockeynight: it would be cool to feature an interview Marston for the show. He's a huge Canucks fan!
Switching to the late game on HNIC, called by the fantastic @IceSinghHNIC, the @NHLJets started the game by acknowledging the game was being played on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Metis Nation. It took 150 years, but that acknowledgement in Manitoba is important.
And, the Jets have been a leader in the @NHL on this stuff, with their logo redesigns to support the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre being very popular: https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/winnipeg-jets-celebrate-indigenous-culture-with-wasac-night/c-304519776
Overall, there have been some pretty seismic shifts in the sports world in the past year concerning mascots and logos. I mean, even the Chicago Blackhawks are doing land acknowledgements now (but are adamant about keeping their logo....): https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/blackhawks-unveil-formal-land-acknowledgment-prior-to-friday-game-vs-red-wings/2421224/
Anyway, the point here is this: these changes obviously do not address the material inequalities in colonial societies such as Canada and the United States. Full stop.
Nevertheless, the power of representation is real, and hopefully these developments can create further opportunities for change and Indigenous collaboration in hockey, on HNIC, and in sports generally.
