Habs celebrate First Peoples

Last Saturday’s Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre against the Colorado Avalanche saw the Habs hold a “First Peoples Celebration,” where the organization showcased Indigenous culture in a few different ways.

A special version of the Canadiens’ logo, created by Anishinaabe painter Frank Polson, was used on signage, merchandise, and the big screen on Saturday.

According to the Canadiens, Polson’s logo was a “hand-painted ‘CH’ depicted in the style of Woodland Art, a contemporary form of native art that is characterized by bright colors, bold lines, and symbolic imagery.”

In a written statement shared by the Canadiens, Polson said he was proud to have been able to reimagine the Canadiens’ logo for the occasion.

“To design a logo for a professional sports team, especially for an event like Saturday’s game, is an incredible honour. It’s a chance to blend art, culture, and community, creating a visual representation that resonates with fans and inspires the team,” said Polson.

A full explanation of the significance of each element of the logo can be found on the Canadiens’ website.

Twenty-five percent of proceeds coming from sales of merchandise with the logo went towards the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ).

“The funds will allow us to support academic success services offered to students and their families in the 11 Native Friendship Centres affiliated with the RCAAQ. Along with encouraging academic perseverance, these services reinforce cultural identity and the power to act of Indigenous youth in urban areas,” said Myrian Marotte, strategy director of communications and public relations for the RCAAQ.

She added that Tim Hortons also donated $10,000 to the RCAAQ.

This is the third year that the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation partners with the RCAAQ. Earlier in the day, children from the RCAAQ centers of La Tuque, Val-d’Or, and Trois-Rivieres, along with kids from Lac-Simon, Manawan, and Mashteuiatsh were able to skate on the Bell Centre ice.

They also met with Canadiens players Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach and received a guided tour of the Bell Centre prior to the game.

“It was a memorable day, thanks to the Canadiens and their Children’s Foundation,” said Marotte.

A few kids from Kahnawake also joined in for the afternoon skate and the tour. Valerie Lahache, team leader of Tsi Ionteksa’tanonhnha Foster Care for Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS), said that the four tickets provided went to foster care children, who are not photographed due to confidentiality concerns.

Prior to the game, Keyara Gros-Louis, a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, sang the Canadian national anthem.

During a stoppage in play, the Canadiens acknowledged, in a series of images on the big screen, Indigenous players who had played for the Canadiens in the past - the team does not roster any Indigenous players at the NHL-level this season.

They included goaltenders Carey Price and Michael McNiven, forwards Gino Odjick, Darcy Tucker, and Shayne Corson, and defender Sheldon Souray.

The Canadiens also said that “Indigenous leaders” were invited to the game, including grand chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Cody Diabo and newly elected Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador regional chief Francis Verreault-Paul.

Up until midway through the third period, it seemed like it would be a boring Canadiens’ loss, as they were down 4-1 to the Avalanche.

Three quick goals changed that, as the Bell Centre got loud enough to ring ears when Christian Dvorak tied the game at four late in the period.

The Canadiens would, ultimately, lose in the shootout to Colorado.

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