The Red Deer Optimist Chiefs officially started a new era in October 2023 with a revamped 'Chiefs' logo, re-blessed by Chief Wilton Littlechild CM (pictured), with a pre-game ceremony at their home opener. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

representing ermineskin cree

Hockey Canada to form Indigenous Advisory Circle led by Dr. Wilton Littlechild

Nov 5, 2025 | 2:45 PM

Dr. Wilton Littlechild, who is from Maskwacis, will head a new Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) announced today by Hockey Canada.

The council will have 11 representatives, tasked with guiding efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous people through sport, according to a Wednesday release from Hockey Canada.

The IAC will help inform organizational policies, programs and practices that relate to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, including actions 87 to 91, and other initiatives that will advance Hockey Canada’s work with Indigenous peoples, Hockey Canada adds.

Representing Ermineskin Cree Nation on the council, Littlechild is a companion of the Order of Canada, and an inductee into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, and will be the IAC’s inaugural chair.

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READ MORE: Chief Wilton Littlechild formally becomes Companion of The Order of Canada

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He’ll be joined by:

• Kalley Armstrong (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, QC)
• Trechelle Bunn (Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, MB)
• Kateri Coade (Abegweit First Nation, PE)
• Kyanna Coe (Prince George, BC)
• Breanne Dondo (Red River Métis Nation, MB)
• Ryan Francis (Wasoqopa’q First Nation, NS)
• Ava Hill (Six Nations of the Grand River, ON)
• Laura McPhie (Pikwakanagan First Nation, ON)
• Kevin Monkman (Ebb and Flow First Nation, MB)
• Patrick Twinn (Sawridge First Nation, AB)

*Biographies on the members of Hockey Canada’s IAC can be found here.

“Establishing Hockey Canada’s Indigenous Advisory Circle is an important step in our reconciliation efforts and we are looking forward to working with this group to advance our work with Indigenous Peoples,” said Denise Pattyn, senior vice-president of people, culture and inclusion for Hockey Canada.

“We are appreciative of all individuals who expressed interest in joining the circle, and we will continue to identify opportunities to welcome more diverse voices for initiatives that will enhance hockey in Canada.”

It was in August 2023 when Hockey Canada published its first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Path Forward, which included a Commitment to Action statement that summarized the ongoing work to drive long-term, sustainable change within hockey, as well as actions that relate to respecting, protecting and promoting the rights and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples through sport, the organization adds.

Integrating Inclusion, a refreshed version of the EDI Path Forward, is expected to be distributed later this year.

In 2023, Dr. Littlechild helped oversee the revamping of Red Deer Minor Hockey’s primary logo, which bears the ceremonial headdress he wore as Chief.

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READ MORE

• Red Deer Minor Hockey alters ‘Chiefs’ logo in, “great act of reconciliation,” Chief says
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