Siksika Health Services Hosts the Return of The Blackfoot Invitational with Special Tribute to MMIWG2S

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Siksika, AB – Friday, May 5th, 2023, at 12:00pm, Siksika Health Services’ Parks & Recreation will officially open the 36th edition of The Blackfoot Invitational. After an 8-year hiatus we are very excited to bring back a basketball tradition to Siksika. This year’s running coincides with National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-spirit People (MMIWG2S) often referred to as “Red Dress Day”. An awareness walk will begin at 10:30am at the Deerfoot Sportsplex 5km Cross-Country Trail on the East end of the building. Friday’s opening ceremonies will also feature a presentation from special guests and Siksika Health partners, Calgary Surge: Calgary’s professional basketball team.

WHAT: Blackfoot Invitation basketball tournament opening ceremony & MMIWG2S awareness walk

WHO: 

  • Tournament organizers, Richard Running Rabbit & Ira McHugh
  • Traditional Wellness Program Coordinator, Leanne Sleigh
  • Siksika Nation & Siksika Health dignitaries and representatives
  • Vice-Chairman & President of the Calgary Surge, Jason Ribeiro

WHERE: Siksika Deerfoot Sportsplex

WHEN: Opening Ceremonies & Awareness Walk: 10:30am – 1:00pm, Friday May 5th

Blackfoot Invitational Basketball Tournament: 2:00pm, May 4th – 10:00pm, May 6th

The Blackfoot Invitational is an annual basketball tournament first organized in 1979 by a community of Siksika Nation members who love the game of basketball. From the inception of the Blackfoot Invitational, the tournament has attracted the top teams from all over Western Canada and the Mid-Western United States.

There may be cultural aspects of the event you are asked not to cover, it’s important to be respectful and not take photos or film during certain moments. The event MC or media contact will often direct this.

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For information contact:

Ryan Running Rabbit

Communications, Siksika Health Services

(403) 361 0584

ryanrr@siksikahealth.com