Pre-Game Programming
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.
In-Arena Programming
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.
