The alumni winter classic in Délı̨nę wasn’t the only special hockey game in the NWT last weekend.
Around 260 players from across the territory hit the ice in Inuvik for the 25th anniversary Gwich’in Cup tournament.
Juliet Miranda, the interim chief executive officer of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, said the event began with a warm address by Grand Chief Frederick Blake Jr, an opening prayer by Gwich’in Elder Sarah Jerome, and a rendition of the national anthem by Alaina Jo-Beaudin.
“It was a lovely weekend filled with exciting hockey, delicious food, and memories that will last for years to come,” she said.
“It was a huge success and proud moment for me too, as this was my son’s first Gwich’in Cup!”
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“We have so many wonderful hockey players,” she added. “Many of them are not in a position to be on a travelling team so it’s a really special time to highlight and to bring together and to play competitively with players that you might only see once a year.”
Miranda said the tournament took months of planning to put together.
“It takes a village,” she said. “It’s just amazing how a community like Inuvik just rises to the occasion.”
She said the event brought together players, parents, volunteers and staff for a celebration of not only of hockey culture, but Gwich’in values.
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Gwich’in values include yiinjinihłetr’ichl’eh or respect, chigwijuu’ee tr’igwindaii or honesty, nakhwigwandak or our stories, yiinjitr’ichil’eh or honour, tr’eedlaa or laughter, zhuh ghat t’igwidich’uu or kindness, and nihk’atr’inaatii or sharing and caring.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council gave every player a custom jersey and socks to commemorate the tournament and celebrate the players, Miranda said.
“It was such a meaningful token.”
The event also featured awards for sportsmanship, best defence, best goalie, and the Gwich’in values award, which went to a player that demonstrated kindness, honour and respect throughout the weekend.
“We had posters up all around the complex to showcase Gwich’in values and to share in the spirit of the game, not just in play, but also how you carry yourself,” Miranda said.
