"When I was a youth, it was very difficult for Indigenous people to play hockey at the elite level. We were told that we didn't have the aptitude to play. And today, I stand in the BC Sports Hall of Fame, Indigenous Sport gallery, where our Indigenous athletes stand shoulder to shoulder with other high-profile athletes from across this province. Although there is much work to do, I can say great strides have been taken in my lifetime regarding Indigenous inclusion in sport." Dean Gladue, Minister of Sport and Active Living for MNBC
Dean’s story is not unique to him; it is the story of many Indigenous people throughout Canada, a country that has a storied history of discrimination, which also infects the world of sports. As of late, hockey has garnered attention for instances of racism taking place in the rinks of competition, but this isn't a new story; it is one as old as the game.
The newly unveiled Indigenous Sport Gallery at the BC Sports Hall of Fame allows you to take a storied trip through history, highlighting the great accomplishments of Indigenous athletes from across BC. Dean, having known many of the athletes, had a good time regaling the onlookers about the various athletes and their tenures in sport.
“Sport can provide many Indigenous kids with the family support system they are missing; there is nothing like being part of a team,” said Dean, recalling seeing this play out firsthand. “Many times, it's what keeps troubled youth on the straight and narrow; it's what they need.” As the Minister of Sport and Active Living for MNBC, Dean is proud to see Indigenous representation in the BC Sports Hall of Fame and hopes it will inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes.
The gallery itself, adjacent to the BC Sports Hall of Fame, can be viewed by the public both in person and virtually. State-of-the-art technology lets viewers access the gallery in a virtual reality setting, making the experience feel immersive. Notable digital assets include excerpts on Indigenous athletes, artifact explanations, and video biographies.
You can visit the Indigenous Sport Gallery here: https://indigenoussportgallery.com/en
You can also follow them on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcsportshall/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcsportshall/?originalSubdomain=ca
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