Indigenous History Month: Highlighting players of the past, present and future

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June marks Indigenous History Month in Canada. This month is meant to highlight the incredible Indigenous people of the past, present and future. British Columbia is home to many professional sport leagues, many of them stationed in Vancouver. We are honoured to watch different athletes play on and within the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. In Abbotsford we are honoured to be fans within the traditional and unceded territory of the Sto:lo people and the Sema:th and Mathxwi nations. 

Within the sports world Indigenous people have played a large role in the creation of specific sports. Lacrosse is just one of the sports that has been credited to Indigenous peoples as far back as the twelfth century. It is recognized as Canada’s summer national sport, while hockey is recognized as Canada’s winter national sport. 

Within the world of hockey, there have been many players from Indigenous backgrounds who have played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Most notably is T.J. Oshie, who retired this past 2024/2025 season. 

Oshie was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2008 and played there until 2015. He was then traded to the Washington Capitals in 2015 where he played until his retirement in 2025. Oshie descends from the White Earth Nation, which is part of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) Nation.

A Canadian player who has made waves in the NHL is Zach Whitecloud who was the first Indigenous hockey player from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. He went undrafted while playing in college, before he was signed by the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2018, where he continues to play to this day. 

Another well known Canadian player is Carey Price who is a goalie for the Montreal Canadiens. He has been playing with the Canadiens since 2007, and has represented Team Canada on multiple occasions throughout his career. He is of Nuxalk and Southern Carrier Aboriginal Heritage and Ulkatcho. His mother serves as Chief for the Ulkatcho Nation. 

Though there are many more incredible Indigenous athletes who have played in a variety of different sports, and are currently playing, these men have for some become role models for their respective communities. 

With the boom and excitement of the Professional Women’s Hockey League it cannot be forgotten. There are a number of incredibly talented players rising through the ranks of the PWHL that deserve to be recognized. 

Jocelyne Laroque who plays for the Toronto Sceptres is of Red River Métis heritage. Another Sceptres player who is of Indigenous heritage is Victoria Bach, Mohawk, raised within the Bay of Quinte First Nation. She recently retired this past season after playing for both the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL inaugural season, and Toronto for her final year. She also represented Team Canada at multiple levels. 

During the NHL Draft season, 3 incredible young Indigenous athletes were drafted. Jack Nesbitt was drafted twelfth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. He is a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation. Carter Bear was drafted thirteenth overall by the Detroit Red Wings. He descends from Peguis First Nation. Hayden Paupanekis of Norway House Cree Nation, was drafted sixty ninth overall by the Montreal Canadiens.

Representation in sports is incredibly important for athletes in all walks of life. Taking time to research and learn more about the sports we play, and the athletes we support is just a small act of showing the importance of respect and understanding. 

For those involved in sports, whether as athletes, coaches, fans, or leaders, this is a time to learn. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 87 to 91 speak to the role sports can play in reconciliation. They call for meaningful support of Indigenous athletes, recognition of their stories, and the creation of inclusive and culturally grounded programs.

Everyone has a role to play. Awareness leads to respect, and sport can be a powerful place to build that respect together.

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