Initial Joint Statement of Curve Lake and Lakefield Minor Hockey
We understand that in the current climate, Indigenous reconciliation and resurgence are important topics to many of the people in the Lakefield area. We thank you for your concern and please know that we have heard from others in regards to our name, Lakefield Chiefs, over the past weeks.
To provide a brief history, several decades ago, in recognition of the important relationship the community held with the Curve Lake First Nation and the many youth from the two communities that played hockey together, Curve Lake was asked to participate in the naming of the Chiefs. An article with some of the details was shared in 2013 and can be found at: https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-peterborough-examiner/20130722/281509338797047
Knowing that there is a desire to continue to research and share the joint history of the team, we have reached back out to Curve Lake First Nation in order to develop a thorough history of the team name. We are currently working with the community to develop a document, with input from Elders and Knowledge-keepers, that can be shared to highlight how the name came to be. This will be shared widely once prepared. In the meantime, the Acting Chief Operating Officer of Curve Lake, Katie Young-Haddlesey has stated that she will provide additional info to any interested parties. You can reach her at [email protected].
We thank you for bringing your concerns forward and we encourage you to watch for the information that we are compiling. We also recognize your efforts to move reconciliation with the Indigenous community forward.
Katie Young-Haddlesey
(Acting) Chief Operating Officer
Curve Lake First Nation Government Services Building
22 Winookeeda Road, Curve Lake, ON K0L 1R0
P: 705.657.8045
Cell:705.761.9389
Tanya Dunford
Communications Chair
Lakefield Minor Hockey
PO Box 1454
Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0
Cell:705.760.4533