Aboriginal tournament not just about hockey
Nine Yukon hockey players have returned home after representing the North at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kahnawake, Que. last week.
Nine Yukon hockey players have returned home after representing the North at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kahnawake, Que. last week.
The female Team North finished 2-3 in round-robin play 鈥� downing both Team Atlantic and Team Saskatchewan 鈥� while the male squad finished 1-4, beating Team Atlantic 4-3 in their final game.
"It's a great tournament 鈥� and a great program,鈥� said Whitehorse's Candice MacEachen, an assistant coach with the female team. "We went early and were there for just over a week and did a lot of cultural and team-building activities.
So the players weren't just there for hockey. They were there for more of an experience and an education purpose as well.
"I think throughout the weekend, the girls really appreciated how much work the Aboriginal Sports Circle put in and how well treated all the players were. All in all, I think they had a better experience with the program.鈥�
Six female players from the territory played for Team North 鈥� the first team of its kind which saw Nunavut and the Northwest Territories play alongside Yukoners.
Sierra Oakley was named an assistant captain, and led all Yukoners with two goals and three assists in five games.
Adrianne Dewhurst also had a stellar tournament, with a goal and three assists.
Monica Johnson picked up a goal and assist in five games, while Maya Oakley and Natalja Blanchard went pointless.
Lynsey Keaton also served as an assistant captain, and picked up one assist.
"I think the girls did really good,鈥� said MacEachen, who was an assistant coach with the Female Mustangs this season.
"They had some periods where they didn't play as good, but you could tell they were nervous. But they were definitely a lot stronger than I expected and they came together quick as a team. We could definitely play with a lot of the teams.鈥�
Quebec-based Eastern Door and North won the female tournament, while British Columbia took the male division.
Three Yukoners played for the male squad, with Kole Comin and Dylan McCuaig finishing tied for second in team scoring after each recorded a goal and assist.
Devaughn Davies went pointless.
Comments (8)
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Anonymous on May 17, 2013 at 10:57 am
Am Anderson,
Wow! I am glad your children do not think the same way. They are proud of themselves and deserve to feel that way since they are wonderful. However, you do not appreciate that they respect people no matter what colour they are. It is how they are treated. Maybe you should take some lessons.
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Anonymous on May 17, 2013 at 10:49 am
Habsfan, I have to ask what on earth are you talking about when you refer to people as W's? I am not sure but is that a racist interpretation in itself. Why can't people just be people? Why can't we respect a person no matter the colour or origin? For some reason people classify others according to their colour rather than how they are as people. Are they understanding and kind to all others no matter what? We are not our ancestors nor are we our parents. Can everyone get with the times and appreciate all others according to what they do in their lifetime and not judge them by things they cannot control like their ancestors or parents?
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Arn Anderson on May 14, 2013 at 3:50 am
When a native guy/gal does something for oneself totally on their own, but to a non-natives eyes IT PROBABLY was given to them. When Joe the white guy does something, it's that big ole stigma, Joe worked hard all his life.
Here is a real question for you, how many native tournaments promote going around beating and humiliating other races? All this outrage over a name, lol, but you or no one will care what happened before in the old days because it doesn't fit your agenda.
Here is some food for thought, it's a old white guy system, economics, political, social, the whole nine yards. The majority of MP's are all white, hell, even white women have a hard time breaking in. And you are worried about some 0.00001% jobs offered by preference and the name of a hockey association? I guess that's the root of all the evil and divide in the world...
Did you know that certain sports organizations wouldn't allow other races or colors into their associations not too long ago? Even Yukon sports associations, that's why other races/color had to go out and create their own. Now apparently they can't have their associations because it doesn't fit the current PC landscape.
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Habsfan on May 14, 2013 at 3:30 am
Question and Josey Wales, let me help you (hopefully) understand this article from a minority perspective.
Minorities hold tournaments and have leagues for themselves because there is barely any room for them in the AW leagues and tournaments. Why is that you say, well go into any office or workplace in Whse and you will have your answer. Most of the good jobs, land, economic opportunities rest with the Ws. Why is it this way, because from birth minorities enter systems that are dominated by the Ws. Whether it is schools that don't understand or appreciate minorities to justice systems that don't understand or appreciate minorities. It does not matter which way you turn we live in a W world. Are things changing yes, do a lot of W understand that it has to change? Fortunately yes! We all want and deserve a piece of the pie! I am optomistic that it will happen in my life time, regardless of the few that resist change.
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Josey Wales on May 13, 2013 at 7:22 am
@Question...I understand your very valid points but the Filipino thing? It is a country not a race.
In regards to your other points, since 1982ish and thanks to Justine's daddy we CEASED to be a merit based society and we now have a cess pool to deal with complete with 3rd world violence and tribal/holy wars.
Imagine if you will the assault one would get wearing a white pride jacket/hat or a wp license plate?
I myself would love everyone in this country to be actually equal in the eyes of the law and hiring practices, but again post 1982 there has been a fantastic anti-white crusade funded by all tax payers and with total zeal promoted by the PC Crusaders ramming their agenda down our gullets.
...and all that from a hockey comment too eh, funny how classification feeds resentment?
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Brian on May 13, 2013 at 4:00 am
@ Question...this hockey tournament as well as the North American Indigenous Games promote pride, dedication and hard work towards a goal that helps people grow and become better members of society. First Nations historically have had a tough time since colonization of N.A. (wars, disease, racism, residential school, alcoholism, etc). These factors have led to a very complicated situation within the FN people. IMO this tournament is a positive thing and encourages a lot of young FN to better themselves by learning ethics, morals, and values through sport.
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Question on May 12, 2013 at 7:16 am
Here's a legitimate question. In today's age, why isn't this hockey tournament considered racist? Why is someone's race in the title? Just like the Filipino basketball league. I ask this because if I started something with white or Caucasian in the title, you as society would label me racist. Worse, probably a Nazi sympathizer. I'm tired of people's skin color being brought into things that have no purpose. It seems white people are the new minority in Canada. Will we get jobs and promotions based on our color now? Not ability or experience? If the answer is no, then why? Why is it good for certain races but not white people. I bet no one can answer my legitimate questions. Instead they will just use personal insults for me daring to bring up the subject. No wonder society is a joke nowadays.
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Nicole Comin on May 10, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Wanted to thank the Yukon Indian Hockey Association for their support for these fine hockey players. They were all proud to be part of representing the North. Mahsi!