CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern Washington University (EWU) athletes will be showcasing a new helmet design for the Native American Heritage Month kickoff game against Montana State this Saturday.
The custom helmet decal shows off the Salish phrase “uł pql̓qeyn” (pronounced oo-th p-kill-cane) which translates to a group of eagles.
Along with the helmet decals, EWU will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the American Indian Studies Program and Native American Student Association on game night. The first 1,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a game day rooter card that showcases the helmet artwork and pays tribute to the history of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.
“As long-time supporters and partners of EWU athletics, we’re thrilled to celebrate the kick-off of Native American Heritage Month with this collaborative effort that pays tribute to our Salish language,” says Northern Quest General Manager and Kalispel Tribal Council Member Nick Pierre. “We’re proud of our partnership with the Eags and are grateful for this opportunity to share some of our Kalispel cultural traditions with Eagles fans on gameday.”
Before kickoff, the Salish National Anthem will be sung by 11-year-old Kalispel descendant Oakley Bluff. There will also be a Land Acknowledgement presentation by EWU student Sebastian Whiz-Smartlowit, a member of the Yakima Nation and the American Indian Student Association.
The halftime performance will feature a traditional Jingle Dance performed by Miss Qlispé, Feather Auld, of the Kalispel Tribe. The Kalispel Tribe and Northern Quest will also host the Cusick Junior High and High School football players for a pre-game tailgate. Cusick athletes will be wearing custom beanies with the Salish word for Eagles embroidered on the front.
“We are fortunate to live in an area with such incredible ties to Native American land, heritage and culture. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with partners like the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino,” said Director of Athletics Tim Collins. “EWU Athletics thanks them for their support, and we look forward to partnering with them to create additional outreach opportunities within our regions’ tribal communities in the future.”
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