Fred Sasakamoose Bücher

Trailblazer. Residential school survivor. First Indigenous player in the NHL. These descriptions are true but don't capture the full story of Fred Sasakamoose, who endured a decade of abuse in a residential school before becoming one of only 125 players in the elite NHL. Celebrated as the first Canadian Indigenous player with Treaty status, he made his debut with the 1954 Chicago Black Hawks on Hockey Night in Canada, even teaching Foster Hewitt how to pronounce his name. Sasakamoose faced off against legends like Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard, but after twelve games, he returned home. Many conclude his story there, suggesting he prioritized family and culture over an NHL career. However, his decision was rooted in a deeper understanding of the dislocation experienced by generations of Indigenous Canadians. Having been uprooted once, he couldn't endure it again; it wasn't mere homesickness but a rejection of being treated as "property." His choice to leave the NHL was complex and far from straightforward. His journey continued for another decade in various leagues across Western Canada. He became a band councillor, served as Chief, and established athletic programs for youth, paving a path for future generations to find solace in sports. This narrative transcends hockey, intertwining Canadian history and Indigenous politics while exploring his journey to reclaim pride in his identity.