2nd Annual Indigenous Celebration Night

Mi'kma'ki — The Nova Scotia Schooners are proud to announce the second annual Indigenous Celebration game on December 27th against the Banff Rockies. Building on last year’s success, this event continues to honour the vibrant heritage of the Mi’kmaq people while supporting reconciliation efforts across this land through meaningful action.

During the game, the Schooners will don their custom jerseys in vivid orange, a colour that has become a powerful symbol of reconciliation in Canada. This tribute references Phyllis Webstad’s story and the broader legacy of residential schools, serving as a stark reminder of their lasting impact and a call to action for healing and education.

"It’s an honour to host this night for the second time," said GM Eric Schneider. "The Schooners remain committed to celebrating the Mi’kmaq people and Indigenous communities in Kjipuktuk, Halifax, across Mi'kma'ki, Nova Scotia, and beyond. We’re striving to build stronger connections with our fans while maintaining a respectful and authentic approach to reconciliation."

The evening will begin with a territory acknowledgement, recognizing that Halifax, known as Kjipuktuk, is situated on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq People under the historic “Treaties of Peace and Friendship.” Fans will also find an interactive information booth on the concourse, sharing the history of these treaties and their enduring significance in modern reconciliation efforts. Additionally, the Schooners are excited to introduce a kiosk from Native Land Digital, an Indigenous-owned organization based in Vancouver, BC, GM Schneider's hometown. Native Land Digital maps Indigenous land claims, ancestral territories, languages, and treaties, providing fans with an interactive experience to explore this land's rich history. The kiosk will feature tools for learning about local and national Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages, offering a deeper understanding of the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the resilience of Indigenous communities.  A donation has been made to Native Land Digital on behalf of the SICHL For Good.

The Rockies, visiting from Alberta, will be recognized as representing the unceded territories of the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina, and Blackfoot Confederacy peoples, highlighting the importance of Indigenous partnerships across Canada.  Tomorrow's game was selected in recognition of the lasting, impactful reconciliation work being done by Rockies GM Ian Constable.

"The Banff Rockies are truly honoured to be included in such an important night," said GM Constable. “For the past 15 years, I’ve been lucky enough to work in a school that has had an Indigenous cultural and language focus for 40 years now. I continue to learn alongside the students who show pride in their culture and heritage every day. Thank you to Eric Schneider and the Nova Scotia Schooners organization for continuing to celebrate the rich history of the people of Turtle Island, ay hay.”

In addition to supporrting Native Land Digital, and after extensive research into high-impact Indigenous-led organizations, the Schooners have made an ongoing commitment to support Indspire. Indspire has a proven history of maximizing donations to empower Indigenous youth through education, funding scholarships, and fostering leadership opportunities across the country.

“Last year’s celebration was a start,” said Schneider. “This year, we’re broadening our scope and trying to deepen our impact. True reconciliation isn’t just one night; it’s about listening, learning, and taking action year-round.”

For more information about Native Land Digital, to learn about the history of the land you live on, and to donate, visit native-land.ca.  In addition to their map, they have an excellent page on how to make meaningful territory acknowledgements.

For more information about Inspire and to donate, visit indspire.ca.  Charity Intelligence Canada recognized Indspire with a five-star rating, naming it a Top 10 Impact Charity from 2017-2023.  They're the largest post-secondary funding program for indigenous students in Canada outside the federal government.