Local First Nations participate in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Telus Cup
By Rebecca Loucks
PETERBOROUGH—Local First Nations were invited to take part in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Telus Cup, Canada’s National Under-18 Men’s Club Championship.
The 2026 Telus Cup was held in Peterborough, Ont., from April 20-26. The Peterborough Minor Petes served as the host team for the tournament, marking their national championship debut. This is the first time the national hockey tournament has been held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) and is an opportunity to showcase Peterborough and its surrounding communities.
Five other teams from across Canada participated in the tournament, which included the Regina Pat Canadians, Chevaliers de Lévis, Okanagan Rockets, Halifax Macs, and Waterloo Wolves.
Shelley Knott, Indigenous Relations Advisor with the City of Peterborough, collaborated with several members of the tournament organizing committee and all seven local First Nations that were invited to take part.
“The committee really embraced and understood the importance of engaging the First Nation communities. The seven First Nation communities were provided the opportunity to participate, but it was understood and recognized that it was a far travel for some,” said Knott. “Having both Curve Lake and Hiawatha represent in the opening and closing is really a form of education for our non-Indigenous brothers and sisters.”
The seven local First Nations members were offered tickets that were sent to their local communities and participating local Indigenous organizations to attend the games during the week-long tournament.
Before every game of the championship, a land acknowledgement was broadcast on the PMC digital scoreboard, acknowledging being on the host territories of the Williams Treaties First Nations.
Curve Lake First Nation Deputy Chief Jeff Jacobs opened the tournament with a welcome to the Williams Treaties First Nations: Alderville, Beausoleil, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Chippewas of Rama, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island.
Deputy Chief Jacobs was invited to do the ceremonial puck drop for the opening game between the Peterborough Minor Petes and the Regina Pat Canadians.
“It was an honour to offer a welcome on behalf of Curve Lake and the Williams Treaties First Nations to kick off the 2026 Telus Cup,” states Deputy Chief Jacobs. “…Given our First Nation’s pride and contributions to the sport, it was extra special to be able to welcome skaters, their families, Hockey Canada, and the fans near and far to our traditional territory. A welcome is…deeply meaningful. We remind people that we’re still here, still carrying our responsibilities to this land. It’s also important that people—visitors and locals alike—hear the first language of this territory. That matters. It grounds the moment in where they truly are. It is about pride, responsibility, and making sure that presence is felt and understood in a good way.”
Local resident Florence Osawamick was invited to sing O Canada in Anishinaabemowin at the opening ceremony, and handed out Player of the Game Awards to the Peterborough Petes and Regina Pat Canadians players.
Local traditional women’s hand drum group, Naandewegaan—Healing With Drums, were invited to offer a closing ceremony song. Members of the group, which is based in the Peterborough area, are Janet McCue, Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe (Katelyn Brennan), Serene Brennan, and Zainab Amadahy.
“We were very honoured to sing the closing song at the Telus Cup in our home territory of the Michi Saagig Anishnaabe,” stated Janet McCue. “Our drum group has sang together for two years, representing Curve Lake and Alderville.”
Michele Ouellette, who attended the gold medal game between the Halifax Macs and the Chevaliers de Lévis, was asked if she had experienced Indigenous participation in hockey tournaments prior to this closing ceremony.
“It was the first time for her to experience the drumming and it was very good and she found it very touching,” she said.
After the opening song, Hiawatha First Nation Chief Laurie Carr was invited to do the closing ceremony puck drop in the gold medal game. Chief Carr was invited to hand out the Player of the Game Awards before the medal presentations.
“When we hear the greetings from the local Chiefs and to hear Florence sing in the language, it lifts our spirit and makes us feel proud. To feel that we are being recognized as Indigenous people. To hear those drums and our songs, it really connects to our spirit because we are First Peoples and will always be First Peoples. It is important to recognize nation-to-nation.”