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Indigenous Cultural night unites Thunder Cats, Ghostriders

by esequeira
Nasukin Jason Louie of the Yaqan Nukiy (Creston) and Nasukin Heidi Gravelle of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Fernie) with Creston Valley Thunder Cats President Brandon Buliziuk, prior to puck drop.

Nasukin Jason Louie of the Yaqan Nukiy (Creston) and Nasukin Heidi Gravelle of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Fernie) participate in the ceremonial puck drop. Creston’s alternate captain Keethan Isbister stepped in for captain Liam Munro, in honour of Isbister’s Indigenous culture. Each player received the puck dropped by the opposing Nasukin, in recognition of unity and coming together in hockey.
 On Friday, Nov. 21, the Creston Valley Thunder Cats held an Indigenous Cultural Recognition night as they hosted the Fernie Ghostriders.

The game paid tribute specifically within the Ktunaxa Nation. The Thunder Cats home band are the Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band), while the Ghostriders home band are the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Tobacco Plains Band). 

Nasukin Jason Louie of the Yaqan Nukiy and Nasukin Heidi Gravelle of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it passionately awaited this bout between rival hockey teams from their territories. As a friendly competition, both Nasukins agreed to wager a work day in the other team’s jersey, should their respective team lose.

The celebration began with a traditional prayer and welcome, followed by puck drop with the captains and both Band Chiefs. 

The Ghostriders edged the Thunder Cats 3-2. Sawyer Samycia scored the winning goal and Kael Svenson made 26 saves for the win. Nasukin Jason, being a man of honour, immediately donned the Ghostriders jersey while in the stands of Johnny Bucyk arena with Nasukin Heidi Gravelle very pleased.