**Press Release**
Alberta Provincial Summer Games 2025
At the closing event of this year’s Alberta 55 Plus Provincial Summer Games, Chief Willie Littlechild in thanking the host City of Leduc and Leduc County, highlighted the significant and important leadership role they played in advancing true reconciliation through sport, art and culture. In expressing gratitude as a former Commissioner of Canada”s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he noted the significant inclusion of Indigenous culture, land acknowledgement and participation throughout the Provincial championships.
Heartfelt thanks to the leadership and support of Mayors Bob Young and Tanni Doblanko, MP Mike Lake, MLA Brandon Lunty, Games President Lea Dashkewytch and Chairperson Lacina Barsalou along with the many officials and hundreds of volunteers who ensured a tremendous and successful 2025 Summer Games for all. Maskwacis International Chief Dr. Willie Littlechild paid particular homage to the hosts for embedding in the logo and medals two sweetgrass braids that honour the sacred teachings of “kindness” and illustrate an instruction of “strength in unity”. A very special meaning for Chief Willie Littlechild, a Residential School survivor who swam for Zone 4, winning three gold and one silver in the backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle events. All dedicated to the “missing Indian Residential School children that never made it home.”
