Bringing the Tea and Bannock Cup to Iqaluit

One week ago, the Hockey Helps the Homeless Nunavut Northern Alumni Classic brought an unforgettable weekend to the City of Iqaluit, and we’re still reflecting on one of its most meaningful moments.

The Tea and Bannock Cup stood out as something truly special. Traditionally played in Ottawa between Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and an Indigenous opponent, this year marked a unique opportunity to bring the game north to Iqaluit alongside Hockey Helps the Homeless.

Through our relationship with the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation, Red Jar Energy Partners was proud to support and help bring this moment to life, with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation taking part as the opposing team.

With players like Jordin Tootoo, Joe Thornton, Theo Peckham, Victoria Bach, and Todd Gill joining in, it was a pretty special game.

“The Tea and Bannock Cup was more than a game, it was a meaningful moment in time, a connection, bringing Indigenous Nations together through sport, culture, and shared experience. Being in Iqaluit added to that significance. It was an honor for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to take part and stand alongside Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and all those involved.” said Jesse Herkimer, Councillor (Pillar 1 Lead: Inclusive Prosperity, Economic Growth & Job Creation), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

For Red Jar, it was a chance to listen and learn. We know that our role isn’t to lead moments like this, but to support them. Being in Iqaluit alongside MCFN and the community gave us the opportunity to be part of something that carries real meaning.

We’re grateful to stand alongside the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and to connect with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and everyone else who made this possible.

Moments like this don’t happen often, and we’re proud to support the people and organizations behind them.