The Calgary Stampeders’ next touchdown will be called in the Blackfoot language.
As part of Indigenous Night celebrations, the franchise announced on Friday that Saturday night’s home contest against the Montreal Alouettes will be broadcast on radio in the Blackfoot language, in addition to the customary English broadcast on QR Calgary.
Radio station CJWE (88.1 FM) will carry the Blackfoot broadcast with Butch Wolfleg and Jacob Leblanc calling the action.
Stampeders players will wear orange jerseys during the pre-game warmup in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. During the game, their helmets will display the special Indigenous logo that was introduced last year.
Designed by Jacob Alexis, Richard Running Rabbit and Siksika Health Services CEO Dr. Tyler White, the special logo emulates Contemporary Plains Style Traditional Art. The symbols used are paint styles that would be used for horses on special occasions including going into battle: lightning bolts for speed and agility, stripes for acts of valour, paint around the eye for keen vision, feathers also for valour or to represent coups and the spotted hind quarter representing creation stories and teachings.
The handprint on the chest represents a fierce, fearless horse who would knock down enemies and bring the rider home unharmed.
In 2022, the Edmonton Elks became the first CFL franchise to broadcast a game in an Indigenous language. They have since continued that tradition by broadcasting their Labour Day rematch with the Stampeders in both Blackfoot and Cree.
The Stampeders (4-8) will kickoff against the Montreal Alouettes (10-2) at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 14.
