It was a historic day for the CFL and the Edmonton Elks, as the first ever Cree-language broadcast of a football game in Canada took place on July 22 at the Commonwealth Stadium.

First ever Cree broadcast crew for the Edmonton Elks CFL game: Edwin Thomas (Left) Wayne Jackson (Middle) Darcy Houle (Right). 

Wayne Jackson, Edwin Thomas, and Darcy Houle made up the broadcast team covering the game in the Cree language.

Kiya Bruno was given the honor of singing the national anthem in both the Cree language and in English. Bruno expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it “a positive way to represent Indigenous people.”

Kiya Bruno singing the national anthem in both Cree and English at the Edmonton Elks Indigenous Celebration game at Commonwealth Stadium.

For the Edmonton Elks Coin toss, Wacey Rabbit, assistant coach of the Saskatoon Blades who filled in for George Archand Jr.,  was asked to be a part of the historical event, he said that while he felt a little bit nervous, he was honored to be a part of the event.

Wacey Rabbit, assistant coach of the Saskatoon Blades, center field at the Commonwealth Stadium to do the coin toss.

Check out the photos from the event here.

Do you have a story idea? Email me at daniel@windspeakermedia.com

Listen to the audio below: