January 11, 2024 - Thunder Bay, ON - Lakehead University Thunderwolves
The Lakehead University Thunderwolves are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night presented by the Lakehead Achievement Program, which will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 as part of their two game series against the Laurier Golden Hawks.
Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night was first held in 2023 at Lakehead's women's and men's basketball games to honour and celebrate local Indigenous culture and heritage and raised over $5000 for scholarships and athletics initiatives that support Indigenous youth.
As part of the celebration, Thunderwolves Hockey will wear special jerseys with artwork provided by Jessica Mamakeesick who owns Mamakeesick Roots. Special thanks to Ingaged Creative Productions Inc. for their assistance with the design of the jersey and helmet stickers. The game worn jerseys will be sold by auction with proceeds going to existing initiatives in athletics for Indigenous youth and Lakehead University's Athletics Department's BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) scholarships. Information on the auction can be found on the Thunderwolves Hockey Facebook Page with bidding starting Saturday, January 13th at 6:00pm and closing on Monday, January 15th at 12:00pm.
In addition to the jerseys, the Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night events will include Ogden School Choir singing O'Canada in Ojibway, opening of the event from Elder Beatrice Twance-Hynes of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation, Drumming and Dancing from Thunder Mountain Singers and Dancers and OUA.TV stream announcing in Ojicree and English commentary by Fred Jacob.
Thunderwolves Hockey will welcome over 550 of their Achievement Program students and family members to Saturday night's game in addition to the programs many valued supporters. Achievement Program Manager, Amanda Stefanile, says "The Achievement Program is excited to host our second Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night where we celebrate Indigenous culture in sport. Events like this bring our Achievement Program families together to be a part of our campus community and continue to highlight our campus as accessible and achievable. I would also like to share my greatest appreciation to varsity student advocate Troy Williams, everyone in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, our Achievement Program Guidance Committee and community partners for providing guidance and collaboration in planning this event."
Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey takes on Laurier's Golden Hawks for a two-game series this weekend. Friday, January 12th will see the puck drop at 7:00pm. Saturday, January 13th will feature Indigenous Cultural Celebration Night pre-game game ceremony starting at 6:55pm.