MEDIA RELEASE | Elks to host fifth annual Indigenous Celebration night

EDMONTON ​ – The Edmonton Elks are proud to host their annual Indigenous Celebration night, presented by No Frills on Saturday, September 26^th (5:00 pm) against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Indigenous Celebration game is entering its fifth year as a staple of the Elks gameday calendar, as the Club continues in their commitment towards reconciliation.

This year's game is centered around Sept. 30th's National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which began in 2013 as a means of acknowledging and honouring the survivors of Residential Schools. The holiday itself was born out of the grassroots initiative of Orange Shirt Day. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced, and is a reminder that “Every Child Matters”.

The Elks and their partners have organized several initiatives to directly benefit Indigenous peoples and their communities ahead of, and during Saturday's game.

300+ YOUTH FLOWN IN FROM NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

As a part of the Indigenous Celebration, over 300 Indigenous youth and volunteers will be flown in from Northern Communities to the Elks game courtesy of the Exchange Income Corporation (“EIC”) family of companies including Canadian North & Northern Mat & Bridge — with many guests experiencing their first-ever Canadian Football League game.

"This initiative began in Winnipeg in 2017, when 40 youth were invited to attend a CFL game. We were proud to grow participation to more than 1,000 Indigenous guests by 2021,” said Mike Pyle, CEO of EIC. "Now, in the sixth year of the expanded program, we are delighted to see it reach communities across the country, involving three CFL teams and welcoming more than 1,800 Indigenous guests and volunteers from coast to coast to coast. This remarkable undertaking would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our CFL partners, including the Edmonton Elks, as well as the many Indigenous organizations we are proud to work alongside. Together, they help create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for youth and families. Seeing a child’s face light up as they meet a professional football player for the first time, walk into a stadium in awe, or experience their first hotel stay is a powerful reminder of the impact this program has."

"Those moments of excitement, inspiration, and connection are what make this initiative so meaningful.”

The initiative helps broaden the Elks commitment to Northern outreach. Earlier this season, the Club, in partnership with Canadian North, sent representative and defensive lineman Jared Brinkman to Yellowknife to engage with Indigenous communities. Brinkman spent two days up north, running two days of flag football camps for Indigenous youth.

“Canadian North flew us in and brought us to Yellowknife to help teach football to these kids that may not have the opportunity to play, or have never heard of the game,” Brinkman said. “We got to go up there and learn about some of their ways of life they have and unique things they do, and they got to learn about the game of football. It was fun to see the kids out there having fun playing a game that I love.”

“Connecting communities lies at the heart of what we do at Canadian North, and this event is especially meaningful for our team. Building on EIC’s successful Truth and Reconciliation Game partnership with the CFL, we’re proud to work with the Edmonton Elks to create experiences that bring northern youth together and inspire new possibilities.

Through our airline family, we have a unique opportunity to show young people what is possible for their future while supporting the communities we serve. After welcoming the Elks to Yellowknife earlier this year, we’re excited to bring youth to Edmonton for this special event in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” said Shelly De Caria, CEO & President, Canadian North.

ORANGE JERSEYS, SHIRTS, AND SUPPORT FOR ISCA

As a part of the celebration, the Edmonton Elks and Oil Sands Alliance — ​ in partnership with Dave's Diesel Repair, River Cree Resort & Casino, and Portage College — will hand out 1,800 Orange Shirts featuring the club's Indigenous logo to youth at the game.

The shirts will be handed out at The Brick Kid Zone prior to the game.

On the field, the Elks will wear orange jerseys in warmup, which will be autographed and auctioned off following the game. The beneficiary of the Club and their partners' charitable initiatives is the Indigenous Sports Council of Alberta — an organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for Indigenous peoples to engage in sport and recreation.

A donation of $4,000 will be made to ISCA by Oil Sands Alliance and the orange shirt supporting partners, while the club is donating 250 tickets to Indigenous youth through the organization.

In addition:

ELKS IN-GAME

IN THE COMMUNITY

This year, the Elks have been involved with Alberta Indigenous communities at the grassroots level.

For any media inquiries, please contact Elks Manager of Communications and Content Strategy Michael Arcuri

EDMONTON ELKS

The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.

The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.

Elks Football… Always Edmonton

Michael Arcuri

Manager, Football Communications and Player Relations, Edmonton Elks Football Club

• m.arcuri@goelks.com
• 780-691-4442

• goelks.com
• @arcurimike