Cree-language 'O Canada' kicks off Montreal Canadiens game on team's first Indigenous Celebration Night

Montreal Canadiens will wear these special jerseys designed by Kahnawake resident Thomas Deer during their warm-up skate Saturday, March 26, 2021, against The Toronto Maple Leafs (Source: Montreal Canadiens)

Montreal -

Fans attending Saturday night's Montreal Canadiens game against Toronto heard an different version of Canada’s national anthem – singer-songwriter Pakesso Mukash will sing "O Canada" in English, French, and Cree.

"We got it," said Mukash in a video posted to social media earlier in March. "We’re singing the national anthem."

Mukash, who’s originally from Whapmagoostui in Northern Quebec, called it a "dream come true."

"I hope I do it justice. I hope I do you guys justice," he continued. "For anyone that’s not a Habs fan, just cheer the Habs on this one time."

The translated anthem is part of the Montreal Canadiens' first Indigenous Celebration Night. Indigenous leaders attended and players appeared for their practice skate in special jerseys commemorating Orange Shirt Day.

An auction garnered funds for organizations working with Indigenous youth in Quebec.

"The fight against the different forms of racism and discrimination against Indigenous people is still not over," said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, who will attend the event, in a Friday press release.

"I would therefore like to warmly thank the Montreal Canadiens," he continued, adding the event will help to "strengthen the ties that unite our communities and our nations."

Anishinaabe DJ and producer Boogey The Beat, who blends traditional Indigenous song writing styles with modern electronic beats played the pregame.

Kahnawake resident Thomas Deer designed special pregame jerseys inspired by, among other things, Orange Shirt Day – a day to remember those affected by Canada’s residential school system.

The orange jerseys feature an adapted Canadiens logo over a Two Row Wampum design modelled after the Two Row Wampum Belt which represents an agreement of respect between Haudenosaunee peoples and Europeans in the area.

Another view of Thomas Deer's special jerseys designed for Saturday's game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs (Source: Montreal Canadiens)

Hats, tee-shirts and hoodies designed after Deer’s jerseys are available for sale. All profits will go to the New Pathways Foundation.

"I wish I could tell my six-year-old self that I would be asked to do design work for the Montreal Canadiens," said Deer in a Saturday press release, whose illustration credits include Transformers, G.I. Joe, Godzilla, M.A.S.K., Micronauts, Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and Star Wars. 

A full rundown of the meaning behind the jersey's design can be found here. 

"At the beginning of the season, we made a commitment to take part in the reconciliation process by putting forward initiatives aimed at recognizing, honouring and supporting Indigenous peoples," said team owner Geoff Molson in a Friday press release.

"Through our actions, we want to inspire positive change in terms of diversity and equity within our sport, both on and off the ice, as well as in the community, in order to provide all players and fans an inclusive and welcoming environment, free from any form of racism or discrimination."