"Celebrating Indigenous Trailblazers: Kenneth (Ken) Strath Moore, Canada’s Olympic Hockey Hero
Unveiling a Hidden Treasure
Imagine stumbling upon a hidden treasure in your own home – this was the case for Jennifer Moore Rattray when she discovered her grandfather’s Olympic gold medal tucked away in a cupboard. Kenneth (Ken) Strath Moore, the first Indigenous person to represent Canada at the Winter Olympics and clinch a gold medal in 1932, was a humble man whose athletic achievements spoke volumes.
A Legacy of Resilience
Born in 1910 on the Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Moore’s journey to Olympic glory was not devoid of hardship. With his family relocating to Regina to escape the oppressive residential school system, Moore found solace and purpose in sports. Excelling in baseball, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, and speedskating, it was hockey that captured his heart. From winning the Memorial Cup to scoring the winning goal at the Olympics, Moore’s legacy of resilience and athleticism shines brightly.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite retiring as a player and venturing into coaching and a different career path, Moore’s impact reverberates through generations. Inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame and honored in multiple sports halls of fame, his granddaughter, Moore Rattray, continues to champion his legacy.
The Quest for Opportunities
Jesse Cockney, an Inuvialuit cross-country ski athlete, laments the untapped potential of Indigenous athletes in Canada. While many organizations introduce Indigenous youth to sports, the lack of support for their advancement to high-level athletics is a glaring gap. Cockney envisions a future where Indigenous youth have the opportunity to excel on national and international stages, echoing the aspirations of many aspiring athletes.
As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, let’s reflect on the stories of pioneers like Ken Moore and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and supportive sports community for all aspiring athletes. Their legacies serve as a reminder of resilience, determination, and the endless possibilities that await when given the chance to shine."
