Regina Pats Unveil Indigenous-Designed Jerseys for Celebration Night

The Regina Pats will look a bit different tonight when they hit the ice against the Wenatchee Wild.

As a part of the annual Indigenous Celebration Night, the Regina’s WHL team will wear a special-edition, Indigenous-designed jersey. The jerseys, which are adorned with a colourful star blanket design containing both the team’s colours and splashes of orange, were designed by Rodger Ross and his business partner, Quentin Karmark, of 4 Claws Inc.

“I immediately felt it should be this star design – the morning star,” said Ross, member of George Gordon First Nation.

“That eight-pointed star is the celebration of life given to us by the Creator. When we put it in a star blanket, it has that significance, that strength and protection,” said Ross.

The Regina Pats approached George Gordon Developments Ltd., the economic development branch of George Gordon First Nation, who are a sponsor for the Indigenous Celebration Night. For the past two year, the Pats had worn orange jerseys in recognition of Indigenous history, but this year they wanted something new.

“We don’t simply want to rinse and repeat. It’s an opportunity to honour and celebrate Indigenous heritage, culture, and language, said Gordon Pritchard, Regina Pats CEO. “So when we started the planning process for this year, we said to ourselves that we want to take this up another level.”After a few tweaks to the design, Pritchard said they were thrilled with what Ross and Karmark came up with.

Reportedly, Connor Bear, Regina Pats forward from Ochapowace First Nation, shared the same reaction.

“We had a photo and video shoot for the jerseys with Connor – when he got to wear the jersey for the first time, he had a smile from ear to ear,” said Pritchard. “I got the sense that this was very meaningful to him and he was proud to wear this jersey.”

In the design, Ross also wanted something bold and noticeable, something that makes a statement, he said.

“What I love about (the jerseys) is you can see it from anywhere in the rink You’ll know it’s an Indigenous design, that there’s something special about them,” he said. “Seeing Connor wearing this Indigenous inspired jersey, my heart leapt out of my chest.”

Following the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off. The proceeds will go to the SCEP Centre – Early Intervention and Training Services – a therapeutic program in Regina for young children with communication and behavioural challenges.

The Indigenous Celebration Night will also feature singing, dance, and drum performances, First Nation flag bearers, and Cree game announcing by Irvin Montana.

With so much Indigenous culture woven into the event, Ross said he hopes young people take note of possibilities in front of them.

“When kids see those jerseys, they’ll see themselves represented. They’ll know they come from our community. It’s that pride we all have when we see one of our own who are excelling,” said Ross.

“We’re being seen in place where we were never accepted before.”