Three years ago, May 18 was officially proclaimed as Fred Sasakamoose Day by both the provincial government and the City of Saskatoon.

Sasakamoose was one of the first Canadian Indigenous players in the National Hockey League, and the First Nations player with treaty status. He played with the Chicago Blackhawks.

To celebrate his life, a day of activities will be held at Merlis Belsher Place today.

Participants can enjoy tipi teachings, a ball hockey tournament, bouncy castles, ice cream, and traditional foods such as Bannock and muskeg tea.

Several traditional dance, drum, and singing groups will provide cultural entertainment as well.

Numerous NHL alumni, Olympians and motivational speakers will be sharing presentations throughout the day, and a fireworks show will wrap up the night at Griffith’s Stadium.

Sasakamoose died last November at the age of 86 due to COVID-19.