News

NHL Veterans Sydney and Scott Daniels to Speak on Truth and Reconciliation in Sport Wednesday Evening at the University of Regina

Regina, SK (February 21, 2023) – The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Regina invites the public to attend its free Culture Festival, presented by CGI. The festival includes three days of interactive learning and celebration of Saskatchewan’s diverse cultures and talent. The Culture Festival runs from 6:30 - 9:00 PM nightly from Tuesday, February 21 through Thursday, February 23 at the University of Regina Education Auditorium. Free parking is available in University of Regina Lots 7 and 10.

Wednesday, February 22 will feature a keynote speech from Sydney Daniels, followed by a panel discussion on Truth and Reconciliation in Sport. Daniels, of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation, is the first-ever female NHL Scout for the Winnipeg Jets. She will be joined by her father, NHL veteran Scott Daniels. Moderated by Bryan Eneas of CBC, the panel will also feature Indigenous sport leaders Eric Honetschlager, Jackson Serna, and Amy Shipley. The event will be streamed live on CBC's YouTube channel and available on demand following the event.

Culture Festival co-chair Len Daniels of George Gordon First Nation discussed the importance of the event as vendors and performers began their set-up on Tuesday afternoon.

“Our whole theme for the Culture Festival is to make sure that there’s more diversity and inclusion within sports and that our community -- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people -- are more involved. Sport is a vehicle for reconciliation. We looked at how successful Mosaic is and we used that concept. We’ve included as many community groups as possible, and the events on Tuesday and Thursday are geared towards the athletes' entertainment. On Wednesday, we wanted a program on its own to spark some thought-provoking conversation -- a real conversation around what changes we can achieve in sport.”

The Culture Festival was chaired and organized by Len Daniels, Shelly Daniels, and Joe Daniels of George Gordon First Nation.

The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games in Regina, presented by Teine Energy, is running from February 19-25, 2023. The Games features competition among 1,400+ participants in 16 different sports at venues in Regina, Lumsden, and Fort Qu’Appelle. The biennial Saskatchewan Games program is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Social Channels:

Facebook: 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Regina

Twitter: @2023saskgames

Instagram: @2023saskgames

Saskatchewan Games Council Social Channels:

Facebook: Saskatchewan Games

Twitter: @saskgames

Instagram: @saskatchewangames

About the Saskatchewan Games:

First established in 1972, the purpose of the Saskatchewan Games is to provide an opportunity for the province’s developing athletes, coaches and officials to participate in an exciting multi-sport event in preparation for a higher level of competition. Countless Saskatchewan Games alumni have advanced to competition at the national level and beyond, with Olympians such as Sandra Schmirler, Colleen Sostorics, Emily Clarke, and Lucas Makowsky counting the Saskatchewan Winter Games as a key step in their journey to the highest levels of sport. The Saskatchewan Games also leave behind valuable legacies that benefit each host community for years to come. To learn more, visit www.saskgames.ca.

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Media Contact:

Karen Lawson

Saskatchewan Games Council

306.529.3120

klawson@saskgames.ca