Rob Vanstone: “It’s a special kind of love that you feel and embrace” — Roughriders visit Every Child Matters Powwow

SASKATOON — Jamal Morrow was on the other side of the handoffs, for a change. 

Instead of being presented with a football in the line of duty, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ affable running back was handing out gifts to youngsters on Saturday at the “Every Child Matters” In Honour of Reconciliation Powwow. 

“You can just see how excited and genuine every child was to receive a gift,” Morrow said at the SaskTel Centre. “To see how happy they were, it was definitely a heartwarming experience.  

“Regardless of how everything is going on the field, you can take a step back and look at the impact you have on this community. It makes a big difference.” 

Beside Morrow, Roughriders defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II was also a magnetic presence as he tossed gifts into a crowd of kids that was five or six deep. 

“It was just about making sure that every child out here knows that we care about them,” Lanier II said. “We are here to support them.  

“It was definitely cool to see all the smiling faces and the hands going up and seeing them receive the gifts and toys. 

“We’ll be able to see the effects of this in the years to come.” 

The benefits will extend far beyond the appreciation of presents that were distributed on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

As much as the toys and treasures left the children beaming, Saturday’s event was principally a time to learn, to understand, to celebrate, and to remember. 

All in attendance honoured Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. 

There was the pounding of the drums … and the pounding in our hearts as we reflected on the sad circumstances that endured for so long and affected the lives of so many. 

“Send prayers,” one of the masters of ceremonies said, “as we recognize this day of Every Child Matters.” 

Prayers were also held for war widows and elders. 

Over the course of the powwow, 460 dancers in full regalia performed in joyous, energetic fashion on the main floor of the spacious Saskatoon arena. 

“Enjoy the heartbeat of our nation,” they were told over the public-address system. “Smile! Be loud! Be proud! 

“Dance your style, young people! Be proud of who you are!” 

The pride was evident on the faces of elders and youngsters, who often danced side by side. 

Early in the powwow, they were joined by Morrow and Lanier II as the players sported custom-made, non-green jerseys on Orange Shirt Day. 

“You guys are such awesome football players,” an emcee said. “Plus, you’re awesome dancers!” 

The 6-foot-6 Lanier II was impossible to miss as he towered above the crowd, savouring every second.  

“It has been wonderful, being able to get out here and enjoy what they love so much out here at the powwow — running around with the children and being able to feel the rhythm that they’re feeling,” he said.  

At various points, he and Morrow were approached for autographs, pictures and fist-bumps. Everyone was cheerfully accommodated. 

That included one elderly attendee, who could not descend to floor level due to mobility issues.  

So Lanier II — accompanied by the Roughriders’ Social Lead, Tyler Daku — ascended the stairs and paid a visit. 

It turned out that Lanier II interacted with an assortment of other individuals for nearly 20 minutes. 

“It was my first time at a powwow and I wouldn’t mind coming again,” he said, “because you learn so much about the culture and what they’ve been through and what they’ve accomplished over the years.” 

It was also the first powwow for yours truly, who was honoured to be joined in Saskatoon by Daku, Morgan Fleury (Digital Media Co-ordinator), Jacqueline Hurlbert (Director, Marketing), Thomas Judek (Communications Co-ordinator), Rebecca Perigny (Manager, Marketing and Community), Ally Chmielnicki (Business Intelligence Specialist), Brittany Boczulak (Talent Management and Business Operations Co-ordinator) and three representatives of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation — Cindy Fuchs (Executive Director), Marnie Forsberg (Project Administration Co-ordinator) and Jonathan Halvorson (Development Manager). 

Three members of our travelling party — Daku, Fleury and Hurlbert — were in Vancouver when the B.C. Lions defeated the Roughriders 33-26 on Friday night. 

The CFL team’s chartered return flight landed in Regina shortly before 4 a.m., on Saturday. As a result, there was little turnaround time for Daku, Fleury and Hurlbert before our vehicles left Mosaic Stadium at 10 a.m., destined for Saskatoon. 

The bleary eyes were quickly forgotten during an eye-opener of an event. 

“It’s just amazing,” Morrow marvelled. “It’s a special kind of love that you feel and embrace.” 

He was certainly feeling it at floor level, prompting a reporter’s question as to whether a new post-touchdown celebration had been born. 

“I love my little one-two — my powwow dance,” Morrow responded. “I’ve definitely got to get on top of that!”