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By Angela Brown

Sept. 1 to 3 event

Hockey and Horses Ride aims to eliminate racism

Aug 22, 2022 | 5:33 PM

As a way to encourage people to get to know one another better, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, organizers are planning a “Hockey and Horses Unity Ride” to eliminate racism next month.

The ride will start on Sept. 1 in Battleford and travel to Sweetgrass First Nation where participants will set up camp for the night.

Then, on Sept. 2 they will continue their ride to Little Pine First Nation.

The event will wrap up on Sept. 3 for a Sports Day and Gymkhana Event at Little Pine.

Chris Albert, from Sweetgrass First Nation, is helping with the event preparations.

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“The main idea is to bring people together,” he said.

Albert mentioned the event is called “Hockey and Horses” because the two main organizers, Warren Pewapisconias and Martin Smith, have a long connection of playing hockey together.

He said while taking part in the ride participants can get to know each other better as individuals, one-on-one, without race or ethnicity being a factor.

Albert added many non First Nations have never been to a reserve before, so this will be an opportunity for them to have that experience. He noted visiting a reserve community is no different than going to any other rural place.

“They will spend a couple of days together,” he said. “They are encouraged to bring their own horses and ride along, or if they don’t have a horse to ride there are going to be some wagons along the ride.”

Participants are asked to bring their own bedding and camping gear to use when they stay overnight in Sweetgrass. All meals and snacks will be provided.

The organizers are still looking for more donations, such as more water or feed for the horses, if anyone is interested.

At the Town of Battleford’s recent meeting, council approved a request from organizer Pewapisconias for the group to begin the ride journey leaving from the town.

They will gather at the town’s open field site across from Fort Battleford on Sept. 1, the starting point of the ride.

CAO Ash Alam said while the fixed time for the start of the ride hasn’t been announced yet, it is anticipated it will leave Battleford before noon.

Updates on the ride times and route will be posted on the town’s Facebook Page when more information is available.

Councillor David George said the ride is a great idea.

“I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “Hopefully, everybody has a good time, and enjoys the trip.”

Mayor Ames Leslie supports the initiative also.

“I think this is exciting,” he said. “It’s been thrown around for a few years as an idea. I am glad to see it finally come together, and welcome [the group] to Battleford as their starting point.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW