First Nation communities come together despite the loss of a sacred headdress

The weekend was supposed to be a moment of celebration after a four-year hiatus the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) tournament was to get underway. On Sunday at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, the singers and their drums are ready at centre ice, the fancy feather dancers adorned in their colours, the sacred herbs prepared for smudging, and the ice itching for skaters – but something was missing.

The ceremonial headdress of the First Nation hosting the event was stolen early Saturday morning.

“It’s a sad day for my community and it’s been hard to deal with in the last 24 hours,” said Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod.

McLeod said he had parked his vehicle outside the Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel, where he was staying, on Friday and Saturday morning it was gone – with the sacred headdress in the back.

He said what makes it even more painful is after decades of fighting assimilation and trying to reconnect with their past his First Nation community had spent over two years constructing a ceremonial piece to accurately reflect the teachings of his ancestors using the techniques and materials that would have been available 100 years ago.

“It’s a real shame,” said McLeod.

“That was the first one probably since confederation that was a true representation of our community.”

McLeod is a former player for the Nipissing Warriors hockey team and this tournament is itself a tradition among families for First Nations across Ontario.

“I want to assure Chief Mcleod and Nipissing First Nation that our investigators have been and will continue to work diligently to locate and ensure its safe return,” said Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said in a statement to CTV News.

Duraiappah said he said he knows the significance of the headdress.

McLeod told CTV News he is not passing judgment on whoever stole his jeep – and if the headdress is returned – he would thank them.

“I think what’s more important here is moving forward and making sure our kids feel welcome and have a safe space for them to be who they are,” said McLeod.

The LNHL tournament continues until March 16 at arenas across the Peel region, including Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Iceland Arena, Tomken Twin Arena, Meadowvale 4 Rinks and Erin Mills Twin Arena.

To stay up-to-date on developments related to the Nipissing First Nation, follow their Facebook page.

With files from CTV News Toronto video journalist Brennan Andrew

McLeod said police informed him Monday afternoon that his vehicle and all its contents was located.