The Ottawa Charge Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game is designed to honor Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and histories, and to recognize the ongoing contributions of Indigenous artists, leaders, athletes, and community-builders within hockey and across sport. Through ceremony, art, education, and in-arena recognition, the game creates space for reflection, learning, and meaningful engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Programming throughout the night is developed with care and respect, centering Indigenous voices and traditions within the game-day experience.
Arrival Welcome
As fans arrive at the arena, members of the Anishinabek Police Service will station Indigenous imagery-wrapped service vehicles at arena gates, with Anishinabek officers welcoming guests into the venue. This visible presence honors Indigenous leadership and community partnership, setting the tone for a night centered on respect, recognition, and connection.
Ceremonial Puck Drop
The ceremonial puck drop will feature Ellie Penasse, a member of Nipissing First Nation, whose story reflects resilience and progress within the sport of hockey. As a young athlete, Ellie pretended to be a boy in order to compete in the Little NHL tournament before Indigenous girls were permitted to participate. Her participation recognizes the barriers Indigenous girls have faced in the game and celebrates the continued advancement of equity and opportunity within hockey.
National Anthem Performance
Chantal Larocque will perform a special trilingual rendition of the national anthem in Anishinaabemowin, French, and English, accompanied by traditional drummers. This performance centers Indigenous language and cultural expression within the game-night experience, reinforcing the importance of visibility, respect, and cultural continuity.
Featured Artist
The Ottawa Charge commissioned Emily Kewageshig, an Anishinaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation, to create this year’s Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game art piece.
Emily is known for her vibrant woodland-style paintings that center themes of identity, land, community, and cultural continuity. Through bold color, symbolism, and storytelling, her work reflects Anishinaabe teachings and lived experience while contributing to the ongoing evolution of contemporary Indigenous art.
This one-of-one original painting was created specifically for the Ottawa Charge Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game. The piece reflects cultural resilience, visibility, and the deep connection between Indigenous communities and sport.
The artwork will be prominently displayed on the concourse throughout the game and auctioned online through The Realest. Auction proceeds will benefit Hockey Indigenous, supporting Indigenous participation in hockey through advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives across Canada.
Concourse Activation
Elsewhere throughout the concourse, fans will experience a curated Indigenous community presence that highlights art, sport, and cultural engagement.
The Ottawa Black Bears will host an interactive activation promoting the sport of lacrosse and educating fans about its deep Indigenous roots and cultural significance.
Community organizations including Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) and the Odawa Native Friendship Centre will also be present, creating opportunities for fans to engage directly with Indigenous-led organizations serving the Ottawa region.
Additional activations may include participation from Hockey Indigenous (HI) and a pre-game beading workshop in partnership with Beandigen.
In-Game Recognition & Storytelling
The following community engagement initiatives will be recognized throughout the evening:
Recap video and photography from a March 1 educational workshop with Charge players led by Samantha Phillips, a proud member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, educator, and advocate for Indigenous representation, alongside Olivia Cook, a proud member of the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne, Cornell University player and alumna, and Head Coach of the Women’s Ice Hockey Team at SUNY Potsdam. The session focused on Indigenous history, lived experiences, and reconciliation in sport, reinforcing the Charge’s commitment to ongoing education and relationship-building beyond game day.
Recognition of participating Indigenous community organizations in attendance.
Spotlight on Emily Kewageshig’s commissioned artwork displayed on the concourse.
Hockey Indigenous (HI) is an Indigenous-led and governed organization whose overall goal and mandate are to provide a new generational direction toward Indigenous Youth and Community Empowerment. HI wants to use its platform to bring inclusion, motivation, and support to Indigenous Peoples while fostering policy and cultural teachings.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is the national representational organization for Inuit in Canada, advocating on behalf of Inuit across Inuit Nunangat and in urban communities. ITK works to advance Inuit rights, policy priorities, and cultural preservation at the national level. Their presence reinforces Inuit leadership and visibility within the broader Canadian sport landscape.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific urban service provider offering culturally grounded programming and social supports for Inuit in Ottawa. Through community programming, cultural initiatives, and advocacy, TI strengthens Inuit wellbeing and connection in the region.
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre provides culturally based services, programming, and community gathering space for Indigenous Peoples in Ottawa. The Centre fosters cultural continuity, community wellness, and connection through programming rooted in Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
The Ottawa Black Bears of the National Lacrosse League will host a concourse activation promoting the sport of lacrosse and educating fans on its Indigenous origins and cultural significance. The activation highlights the deep historical roots of lacrosse within Indigenous communities and strengthens cross-sport collaboration in Ottawa.
The Anishinabek Police Service is a self-administered First Nations police service serving Anishinabek communities across Ontario. As fans arrive, members of the Service will station Indigenous imagery-wrapped vehicles at arena gates and welcome guests into the venue, reflecting partnership, leadership, and community connection at the forefront of the game-day experience.
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