Statue of Indigenous hockey icon Fred Sasakamoose unveiled in Saskatoon
A statue of Indigenous hockey trailblazer Fred Sasakamoose was unveiled outside SaskTel Centre on Wednesday.
“I’m overwhelmed with mixed emotions. You’re memorializing someone you wish was here,” said Sasakamoose’s son Neil.
Sasakamoose, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was one of the first Indigenous hockey players from Canada to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1953-1954 season.
After retiring from competitive hockey a few years later, Sasakamoose dedicated his life to encouraging young people through sport and breaking the racial barrier for Indigenous hockey players in the NHL.
“He didn’t believe in any racism or hate. He only believed in love in his heart, so I think that’s a message for everyone,” Neil said.
“(The statue is) designed for Indigenous people to be proud, first of all. And it’s designed for Canadian people to understand the differences and the struggles that this generation had, and it’s following through today.”
Sasakamoose died in November 2020 after contracting COVID-19.
The statue was commissioned by the Synergy 8 Community Builders as well as the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) and the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs.
“Recognizing Indian people for their success because Indian people have value and you see it when we have leaders like Fred, we can make a difference,” STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said at the unveiling ceremony.
Mayor Charlie Clark also shared some words on what it means to have this statue in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory.
“Kids walking up the steps will see Fred Sasakamoose on one side, Gordie Howe on the other and be able to draw inspiration and strength.”
Representatives from the NHL also came out to show their support and recognize the work Sasakamoose has done to make the game more inclusive.
“What he represents to Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S. is unmatched. We at the NHL are working hard to bring Indigenous boys and girls to our game and show them a better sport, but Fred did this effortlessly,” said Rob Knesaurek, vice president of diversity with the NHL.
Brigette Lacquette, a pro scout for the Chicago Blackhawks who is from Mallard, Man. and Cote First Nation Saskatchewan, shared the team’s appreciation for everything Sasakamoose has done.
“We’re so proud to have Fred as one of the team’s distinguished alumni. He inspired, continues to inspire many across our great game of hockey and throughout North America,” she said.
Neil said he hopes the statue will help inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes and act as a reminder for people to always remember where they came from.
“If you’re born in a small town or a First Nation or Metis community, don’t get too big for your britches. Always remember where you come from and who put you there,” he said.
“And that’s what my dad did, he could’ve stayed in the U.S. and he could’ve lived a life of hockey and travelling, but he came back to his community and he lived there until the day he died. So, that’s his reminder, that’s how my dad would’ve said it. Always remember where you come from.”
The statue unveiling comes a day before the Fred Sasakamoose Chief Thunderstick National Hockey Championship kicks off at Merlis Belsher Place and the Rod Hamm Memorial Arena.
The tournament features First Nations, Metis and Inuit men’s and women’s hockey teams from across Canada and runs from May 19 to 21.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.