Otipemisiwak Métis Government releases video highlighting new partnership with the Edmonton Oilers
Posted on: Oct 12, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Otipemisiwak Métis Government releases video highlighting new partnership with the Edmonton Oilers
Oilers invite Métis female youth to participate in U9 hockey camp
[Edmonton AB, October 12, 2023] — The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is releasing a new video highlighting its new partnership with the Edmonton Oilers, fostering Indigenous youth participation in hockey. The video showcases a recent Edmonton Oilers U9 girls hockey camp, which included five Métis girls who were invited to participate between July 24 and 28, 2023.
The Oilers Hockey School presented by Rogers runs every summer in Edmonton, providing top quality hockey instruction and giving young hockey players the opportunity to train on and off the ice in a positive and supportive environment. The Métis girls took part in the all-female camp for youth aged seven through 12. The camp offered two-hours of ice time per day for 10 sessions total, with an Oilers player and Oilers Alumni member making special appearances. Players also participated in four specialty sessions, offering instruction in physiotherapy and concussion management, diversity and inclusion, yoga and nutrition.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada published 94 Calls to Action to help advance Reconciliation, including five addressing sport. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Edmonton Oilers’ partnership helps advance Calls to Action 88 and 90, which speak to reducing barriers to participation in community sports programs and nurturing the development of young Indigenous athletes.
As a next step for this partnership, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Group are in discussions about hosting an Oilers Alumni Heritage Game in the future.
Quotes
“The Otipemisiwak Métis Government recognizes that youth sports can help improve the health and well-being of Métis youth who in turn contribute to healthier communities. We’re thrilled to partner with the Oilers Hockey Group and offer athletic programming that instills self-esteem and leadership skills in our youth, while reinforcing and revitalizing our Métis way of life. These types of partnerships and investments in Indigenous sports are critical steps towards meaningful and tangible Reconciliation.”
- Lorna Dancey, Truth and Reconciliation Director, Otipemisiwak Métis Government
“I’m incredibly grateful that the Oilers have partnered with the Métis people. My daughter Poet was among the group of Métis girls who got to participate in Oilers Hockey School this summer, and she has so many positive things to say about the camp, the friends she made on the ice and how much she learned from her inspiring female coaches. She came home every day with a big smile on her face. It’s heartening to see how committed the Oilers are to Reconciliation. Through these initiatives, they’re making hockey more accessible and welcoming to Indigenous youth like my daughter.”
- Mandy Kaiser, Métis Citizen
“We believe that hockey has the potential to foster positive change both on and off the ice. Sport can be a powerful vehicle for healing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities as we work together to advance Reconciliation. We’re proud to partner with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to help make hockey more inclusive of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.”
- Tim Shipton, Executive Vice President, OEG Sports & Entertainment.
About the Otipemisiwak Métis Government:
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is the oldest continuous Métis government in Canada. It was originally established in 1928, and has been built by Alberta Métis over generations. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government delivers programs and services to Métis Citizens living throughout Alberta through its governance structures and affiliates including Rupertsland Institute, Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., Métis Crossing as well as its Métis Housing Corporations.
Currently, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has over 64,000 registered Citizens residing in every part of Alberta, and maintains the only objectively verifiable registry that identifies Métis Citizens and rights-holders living in Alberta. The 2021 Census reported the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has the largest membership of any federally recognized Métis government in Canada.
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