Golden Rockets Debut 2023-2024 Community Jersey
For the month of November, the Golden Rockets will be wearing this season’s alternate jersey.
Last season, one of our players faced harassment on the ice because of his Indigenous background. This season, we would like to demonstrate to our players that our organisation stands beside them and honours their heritage. We want to acknowledge the painful history and the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and honour the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors. By wearing this crest in the month of November, we want to continue the dialogue on anti-racism and anti-bullying past a single day. Working collaboratively with Metis artist, Aguenus (Angela Hall), who is also the parent of one of our players, a crest was created with a point of reflection for each symbol; The indigenous star motif in the centre, for indigenous people are star people; the Metis infinity symbol; inukshuks shaped to reflect a rocket; and eagle feathers demonstrating the honour it is to serve your community. You can see more of Angela’s work here.
After learning of our plan to raise awareness for indigenous communities and the effect that residential schools had on them, one of our players approached us asking if he could have his indigenous name on the back of his jersey. After the other 3 players learned that this was a possibility they quickly jumped on board.
(From left to right)
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#11 Deegan Wapass
Indigenous name: Wāpās “Early Riser”
Big River First Nations
Language: Plains Cree
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#21 Jake Yakubowski
Indigenous family name is: Rose
Although Jake was raised in Saskatoon, he chose to represent his indigenous roots.
Member of Métis Nation of Saskatchewan
Language: Plains Cree
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#16 Draeden Bear
Ochapowace First Nation
Language: Plains Cree
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#23 Nathan Andrew
Indigenous name: Big Swan
Aqam Reserve
Language: Ktunaxa
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Not pictured
#1 Levi Hall
Indigenous Name: (Golden) Eagle Boy
Métis Nation of Alberta
Language: Plains Cree
We are proud to live and play our hockey on the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples and the home of the Métis Nation Columbia River Society. You can learn more here.
Our Community Fund jerseys are worn for the month of November and are auctioned off to raise money for the Rockets Community Fund. All proceeds go towards helping our community. This is a fund that is accessible by all Golden locals who may need financial assistance with medical travel costs. Since the fund’s inception in October 2019, the Golden Rockets have donated nearly $4,000.
At the end of the month the jerseys will be available for purchase/auction.
