Spirit of the Bison highlights Indigenous student-athletes
The special event welcomed Indigenous community members to join in celebrating what it means to be a Bison
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the University of Manitoba Bisons welcomed Indigenous dancers, drummers, singers, artisans and community members to join them in celebrating the Bison, a symbol of respect, pride and Indigenous identity.
The fourth annual Spirit of the Bison event brought sport and Indigenous culture together in a celebration across three Bisons regular-season games (women’s hockey and men’s and women’s basketball). The national anthem was sung in Indigenous languages, and there were halftime performances from Indigenous dancers and drummers.
“Being here at the University of Manitoba, where we wear the bison, we really wanted to bring those Indigenous teachings and culture to our community,” says Bree Cruise, the Lead for Indigenous Achievement and Outreach for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. “We really want Indigenous youth to see this as a place they can belong, a place they can go to school and a place they can continue their sports journey.”
Graham Hutchison-Campbell during a long jump competition
Graham Hutchison-Campbell, a captain on the men’s track and field team, was one of several athletes at the meet-and-greet station. He says being a part of the weekend was a great opportunity to speak to the community and encourage them to continue in sport.
“Sports teach so many fundamental values and morals to young kids which they can take with them into their professional careers,” says Hutchison-Campbell. “I think it’s especially important for the Indigenous community because they can meet people who are varsity athletes and help them find something to strive towards.”
Emily Mandamin, a forward for the women’s basketball team, says it’s important for Indigenous youth to “see someone who looks like them chasing their dream. If they see it they’ll know they can do it too.”
Emily Mandamin during the women’s basketball Spirit of the Bison game
Mandamin says it was exciting to see people embrace Indigenous heritage and events like Spirit of the Bison help continue the conversations of Truth and Reconciliation.
“Sport is medicine, and by connecting culture and sport, it can truly be a beacon of hope for Indigenous communities,” says Mandamin. “By having Spirit of the Bison night, it allows us to celebrate our experiences and respect the different journeys we’ve all had.”
Cruise says while Spirit of the Bison is a great opportunity to put Indigenous culture and student-athletes in the spotlight, it’s also important for the non-Indigenous members of the community to see the accomplishments of the artisans, singers, dancers and student-athletes at the university.
This is the fourth season the Bisons have hosted Spirit of the Bison.