By Hockey Saskatchewan

As Canada marks its fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Hockey Saskatchewan is highlighting athletes who are proudly carrying their heritage onto the ice while inspiring the next generation of Indigenous players.

Fourteen-year-old forward Nixxon Arcand-Vandale is preparing for an exciting season ahead. He will skate alongside his older brother, Cash, on the Warman Wildcats of the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL) while also representing the province at the WHL Cup this October.

For Nixxon, his path into the Sask First program was shaped by his sibling’s footsteps. Cash suited up for Team Saskatchewan Male Under-16 Program last year and brought home bronze.

“(Cash) told me how hard it was and fast it was in Red Deer. He’s given me tips on how or what he thinks I should do throughout the tournament … so he’s been helpful,” Nixxon said.

The brothers share a strong connection to Muskeg Lake Cree Nation through their grandparents and mother. For Nixxon, being able to represent that community on the ice comes with responsibility.

“It’s nice. I feel like I can be a leader for the little kids coming up through hockey there. So, I hope I can help them,” Nixxon said.

Cash, now 16 and an assistant captain with the Wildcats, mirrors that leadership and relays representing Muskeg Lake Cree Nation while also honouring his paternal Métis roots.

“I’m really proud to be Indigenous and I’m proud to be from my community. They are really supportive of me, my brother Nixxon, and my sister Honor. The way we are raised is based on our seven sacred teachings. Respect and humility are two of them, and I live by these when I am on the ice,” Cash said.

“One of my favourite things is playing in Indigenous tournaments with other Indigenous kids.”

While the brothers support and push each other competitively, Cash knows their story can ripple beyond them making Team Saskatchewan.

“I hope that other young Indigenous kids know they can do it too. It’s all about working hard and being committed to something,” Cash said.

Forward Danika Dureau, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, echoes that same drive to represent her community. She is preparing to compete with Team Saskatchewan at the 2025 Under-18 (U18) Women’s National Championship while also suiting up as captain for the Battlefords Sharks of the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL).

“I really try to tell kids that they can really chase anything they want and if as long as you have the goals then anything's possible … it's always just great to represent my community and show people, maybe if they don't feel that they're there yet, that it is possible as long as they put the work in,” Dureau said.

For the 17-year-old, being able to wear the Team Saskatchewan jersey is about more than just competing on a national stage. It is about being a role model in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

“There's a bunch of young kids and when I go to visit, they're always asking me. They're always connecting with me, and I have so much family there that's really supportive of me. And they're just really proud and I'm really proud to be able to represent one of the smaller reserves in our province,” Dureau said.

When facing tough moments, she draws strength from her home community, and she hopes to show younger players opportunities are within reach if they work toward their goals.

“I always have my family I can turn to, but if I ever need to relax or really debrief how I'm feeling, my community is always there for me. And they're always cheering for me, supporting me, and promoting me, and it's making me feel like a big role model,” Dureau said.

“Because when I was growing up, I had some Indigenous role models, but that's one of my goals to really be a role model for those young kids growing up.”

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the journeys of Nixxon, Cash, and Danika reflect not only their personal achievements but inspire others as they help lead a path for the next generation to follow.