Energy, Magnificence, Grace: Stampeders be taught the Spirit of the Horse
These are a few of the adjectives used to explain the spirit of the horse in Indigenous cultures.
Stampeders GM and head coach Dave Dickenson, president Jay McNeil, receiver Marken Michel, defensive again Tre Roberson and group employees had been lately welcomed to Dodginghorse Ranch in Tsuu T’ina Nation for a day of schooling and group constructing by exploring Indigenous tradition.
Former Calgary Hitmen star Brent Dodginghorse, accompanied by his sister and nieces, led the actions. The group be taughted about what the horse and in impact the Stampeders logo represents to the folks of the Treaty 7 territories within the particular go to.
“We at all times say play for the horse,” mentioned Dickenson.
Now, that assertion holds extra which means.
“The religious connection between the Indigenous folks and their horses is so particular,” mentioned Roberson. “I didn’t know a lot about horses (earlier than), I didn’t know that their coronary heart charges dropped as little as they did, which reveals how calm they’re.
“That’s the sensation that you just get out right here, it’s only a calm atmosphere.”
RELATED
» Purchase Tickets: Indigenous Celebration vs. Alouettes – 14.09.24
» Watch: A Go to To Dodginghorse Ranch
» Look: Spirit Of The Horse At Dodginghorse Ranch
» Watch: Collaboration and Schooling: The Indigenous Stamps Emblem And Helmet Story
» Variety is Energy conversations
The day started with a spherical circle the place all people participated in a smudging ceremony.
The group was instructed to work in teams of three and lead a horse by 4 completely different obstacles, instructing the events persistence, communication and teamwork.
Following the group constructing workout routines, everybody was handled to a lesson on the spirit of the horse and its which means to the Treaty 7 territories. Throughout this portion, Fast 6 served as a mannequin and was wearing ceremonial regalia.
Following the teachings, the group was privileged with a drum efficiency and three conventional dance performances.
Earlier than the day ended, Dodginghorse invited Dickenson, McNeil, Michel, and Roberson into his household’s tipi and taught them the intentions behind the development of the conical tent.
The principle takeaway for Roberson?
The Stamps visited Dodginghorse Ranch to be taught extra concerning the Indigenous tradition and what the spirit of the horse means to Treaty 7 territories (Stampeders.com)
“Shifting onto the following day,” he mentioned. “They make their tipis in order that the door is going through the east, which reminds them that it doesn’t matter what, the solar goes to rise the following day, and to proceed transfer on and transfer ahead and go about your life.
“Marken and I’ll positively be sharing with the group what we discovered right here and use it as a lesson for shifting onto the following play and proceed to push ahead.”
The particular go to to DH Ranch culminated with one other spherical desk the place people shared one thing they discovered and went in flip giving every individual a hug. McNeil provided Dodginghorse a present for welcoming the membership and all of the day’s festivities, together with an Indigenized Stampeders helmet and tobacco.
“In soccer, cultures come collectively and it’s good to be taught a brand new tradition, particularly being a brand new Canadian as nicely for me,” mentioned Dickenson on the finish of the go to. “I felt like I discovered loads and it was a very nice afternoon, and hopefully we are able to improve our relationship.
“We’re surrounded by many individuals of all completely different races in Canada. Deal with folks with respect and positivity, that’s what I took from in the present day.”
Calgary will host their first Indigenous Celebration evening on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. Partwork of the pre-game festivities embrace conventional performances within the East Fan Zone, a relay horse to accompany Fast 6 in the course of the nationwide anthem, and the anthem being sung in Blackfoot.
Be part of the membership for an inspiring night of unity, respect, and a celebration of the colourful Indigenous heritage that enriches town of Calgary.