Hundreds of Indigenous youth and community members from Nunavut and the Ottawa area were specially invited to TD Place on Friday for the Truth and Reconciliation game hosted by the Ottawa Redblacks. Approximately 150 children and their chaperones journeyed from Nunavut to Ottawa, while another 150 individuals from local Indigenous communities joined them to watch the game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
For many of the attendees, it marked their inaugural experience at a professional sports event. Nicole Camphaug, who made the trip from Nunavut with her daughter, expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s so thrilling to be here.” Her daughter, Katia, shared, “I’ve never been to a sports game before.”
Janice Barresi, a vice-president at Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), the Redblacks’ parent company, mentioned that the group received the full game-day treatment, including food, photo opportunities with the Grey Cup, and a chance to learn about football. Some were even present on the field for the land acknowledgment and the national anthem.
Barresi emphasized the joy the visitors experienced, stating, “To come to Ottawa and have a professional football experience, they were just thrilled.” She added, “We’re getting way more out of it than we’re giving, and we’re really proud to be a part of it.” OSEG collaborated with Canadian North Airlines to facilitate the group’s attendance at the game.
Shelly De Caria, the first Inuk president and CEO of Canadian North Airlines, underscored that the event aimed to go beyond wearing orange shirts, emphasizing that reconciliation is a mutual process. She highlighted the importance of showcasing their identity to southern Canada and the significance of Ottawa as a pivotal location for Canadian North’s flights to Nunavut.
De Caria observed the excitement of the Inuit youth during their time in Ottawa, noting their pride in wearing orange shirts and representing their heritage. Nicole Camphaug stressed that Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as a starting point for education and understanding, emphasizing the national impact of the event.
Despite the Indigenous youth cheering for the Redblacks, the team endured their 21st consecutive loss, with the Tiger-Cats emerging victorious with a score of 34-16.
