Siksika Nation participates in ceremonial signing with Calgary Hitmen

A new agreement signed Thursday between Siksika Nation and the Calgary Hitmen is intended to promote inclusion and healthy living in the community in the months and years ahead.

The ceremonial signing was celebrated with song and prayer.

Both parties committed to continue developing relationships with community youth, but Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot said the agreement has to be followed up with action.

"I think the Hitmen provide a lot of good support, a lot of good avenues that we can build together," Crowfoot said.

"As Siksika and the Hitmen, it's just opportunities."

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The partnership involves a number of goals to be carried out in the coming months and years.

The parties intend to promote Blackfoot culture, language and history, and promote healthy lifestyles through highlighting the benefits of sport.

Mike Moore, vice-president of the Hitmen, said the partnership between the two parties dates back nearly three years.

"To perform a practice, and then get back in front of the Siksika minor hockey with their coaches, and then a smudging ceremony, to dances, to a meal, to ceremonies it was the start of something amazing," Moore said.

Designs for an outdoor rink are already underway, and the Hitmen will take to the ice in Siksika for a pre-season game next month.

The agreement will also see an Every Child Matters game held as an annual event. The first Every Child Matters game, intended to celebrate and promote Blackfoot culture,was held on Feb. 1, 2020, at the Scotiabank Saddledome.