During the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games, nearly 1,800 athletes converged in Regina to compete in 16 different sports. The multi-day event also featured a culture festival.

Sydney Daniels, Winnipeg Jets scout of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation in Treaty 6 territory, gave a keynote address about Indigenous inclusion in sport and Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The evening also featured a panel discussion where Daniels was joined by her father and former NHL player Scott Daniels, Team Canada wrestler Jackson Serna and Amy Shipley, Participation in Sport lead with Sask Sport. The panel was moderated by CBC’s Bryan Eneas.

Here are quotes from each of the panelists on the important of Truth and Reconciliation in sport:

Sydney Daniels, Winnipeg Jets scout

“The most important thing is action. We can talk about it as much as we want but really taking action and challenging yourself to lead with empathy and try to understand the situation of other people and put that into greater perspective. The action is the most important part.”

Jackson Serna, Team Canada wrestler

“It means that Indigenous voices are being heard. Indigenous men, women and children matter. It means that what our ancestors did for us in the past to secure our future, our land, our rights is what we are now doing for our future generations.

Amy Shipley, Sask Sport Participation in Sport lead

“We can’t have reconciliation without the truth. It’s important for us to learn the truth of the experiences that Indigenous people have had and continue to have in sport. And acknowledge that those experiences haven’t always been positive… Before we can get towards reconciling, we really need to acknowledge that is the truth about our system.”

Scott Daniels, former NHL player

“At the end of the day, there’s still so much stuff that has to be done and we have to believe in who is going to give that accurate message.”

The full event is available to watch on demand on the CBC’s YouTube channel.