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Victoire vs. Fleet
Sunday, March 15
1:00 PM ET
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The Montréal Victoire Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game on Sunday, March 15 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, cultural performance and in-arena recognition, the game creates space for reflection, learning, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. Programming throughout the night is developed with care and respect, centering Indigenous voices and traditions within the game-day experience.

Pre-Game Programming

Live Land Acknowledgment
A live land acknowledgment will be delivered in Mohawk, French, and English by Adysson Stacey, honoring the traditional territories and the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples connected to the Montreal region. This multilingual acknowledgment reflects both respect for Indigenous languages and a commitment to meaningful recognition within the game-day experience.

National Anthem
The national anthem will be performed by Élisabeth St-Gelais, an Innu soprano from the community of Pessamit. Known for her powerful voice and performances across Canada and internationally, St-Gelais brings a strong presence of Indigenous artistry and excellence to the opening moments of the Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game.

Ceremonial Puck Drop
The ceremonial puck drop will be performed by Francis Verreault-Paul, former hockey player and Chef de l’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec–Labrador, alongside Kehte Dailleboust, a minor league hockey goaltender and traditional dancer. Their joint participation reflects Indigenous leadership across generations and disciplines—from sport to governance to cultural expression—and honors the deep and ongoing connection between Indigenous communities and the game of hockey.

Intermission Programming

1st Intermission
A live traditional singing performance will take place during intermission by Atsenhakèniate Lazare, accompanied by traditional Powwow dancers. This performance centers Indigenous cultural expression within the game-night experience, honoring song and movement as powerful forms of storytelling, ceremony, and community connection.

2nd Intermission
The second intermission will feature a live DJ set by DJ POPTRT, bringing contemporary Indigenous music and energy into the arena and contributing to the celebration of Indigenous creativity and cultural expression throughout the game-night experience. A live traditional singing performance will take place during intermission by Singing Wind Deer, accompanied by traditional Powwow dancers. This performance centers Indigenous cultural expression within the game-night experience, honoring song and movement as powerful forms of storytelling, ceremony, and community connection.

In-Game Recognition & Storytelling

Indigenous Peoples Celebration Unity Game messaging and storytelling will be woven throughout the game experience via PA reads, video board content, and in-arena acknowledgements. These moments will reinforce the purpose of the night, highlight participating community members and cultural contributors, and recognize Indigenous presence and impact within hockey and beyond.

Shark Ninja Warrior of the Game
Kateri Lucier-Laboucan of the Native Friendship Centre of Montréal will be recognized as the Shark Ninja Warrior of the Game. The Native Friendship Centre of Montréal supports Indigenous community members through programs focused on culture, wellness, youth development and social support.

Featured Community Organizations

  • Kahnawake Minor Hockey

    Kahnawake Minor Hockey is a community-based youth hockey organization that supports Indigenous youth participation in sport while fostering teamwork, pride, and cultural connection. Through hockey, the organization creates opportunities for young players to build confidence, community and leadership both on and off the ice. Members of Kahnawake Minor Hockey will be recognized as the Warrior of the Game, spotlighting Indigenous youth and community leadership within the game environment.

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  • Native Friendship Centre of Montréal

    The Native Friendship Centre of Montréal is an Indigenous-led community organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Indigenous people living in the urban environment of Montréal. The Centre provides culturally grounded programs and services that support health and wellness, youth development, cultural connection, employment, and social support for Indigenous individuals and families. Through advocacy, community programming, and partnerships, the Native Friendship Centre of Montréal works to strengthen Indigenous identity, build community, and create welcoming spaces where Indigenous cultures, traditions, and voices are respected and celebrated.

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