Hundreds of Indigenous young individuals and community members from Nunavut and the Ottawa region were specially invited to TD Place on Friday for the Truth and Reconciliation event hosted by the Ottawa Redblacks. Approximately 150 children and their guardians journeyed from Nunavut to Ottawa, while an additional 150 individuals from local Indigenous communities joined them to watch the game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
For many of the attendees, it was their inaugural experience at a professional sports match. Nicole Camphaug, who traveled from Nunavut with her daughter, expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s so exciting to be here.” Her daughter, Katia, shared, “I’ve never been to a sports game before.”
Janice Barresi, a vice-president at Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), the parent company of the Redblacks, mentioned that the group was treated to a complete game-day experience, including food, photo opportunities with the Grey Cup, and a chance to learn about football. Some were even present on the field for the land acknowledgment and national anthem.
OSEG collaborated with Canadian North Airlines to facilitate the group’s attendance at the game. Shelly De Caria, the first Inuk president and CEO of Canadian North, emphasized that the event aimed to go beyond wearing orange shirts and symbolized a mutual process of reconciliation. Ottawa serves as a vital destination for Canadian North’s flights to Nunavut, making it a fitting location to unite Inuit youth.
Nicole Camphaug highlighted that Truth and Reconciliation Day marks a starting point for ongoing learning and understanding. She emphasized the significance of the event being a national platform for education and awareness. Despite the Indigenous youth supporting the Redblacks, the team continued their streak of losses, with the Tiger-Cats emerging victorious with a score of 34-16.