Local business sponsors new jerseys for ʔaq̓ amnik Education Centre

Students at ʔaq̓ amnik are feeling an added sense of pride this week, as they sport brand new athletic jerseys. The jerseys were sponsored, as a way for one local business to give back to the ʔaq̓ am community.

Earlier this fall, Cranbrook Flooring was provided notice that it was the successful proponent to provide flooring for the new gymnasium that is currently being built in the community of ʔaq̓ am. Coincidentally, around this same time; Cranbrook Flooring owner Clint Eaton attended Cranbrook’s annual Paarlauf at TM Roberts, to watch one of his children compete. It was then that Eaton noticed that the students of ʔaq̓ amnik did not have jerseys.

“I asked my spouse why their team didn’t have jerseys. They were wearing green pinnies, while every other team were wearing logoed jerseys,” said Eaton. “I can remember playing sports as a kid. The first time putting on your jersey each year gave you such a sense of pride.”

Eaton made the decision to reach out to the school and offer to sponsor the jerseys for the students. The company made arrangements with Sidekick Stickers to design and produce the jerseys; in cooperation with the school staff and ʔaq̓ am leadership.

The jerseys sport the words “ʔaq̓ amnik Skinku¢” and a cleverly designed logo. ʔaq̓ amnik is the school name and carries the Ktunaxa meaning of “the people of ʔaq̓ am”. Skinku¢ is the Ktunaxa word for coyote. The logo sports a fierce coyote; but also, incorporates the blue logo that was designed in the community’s branding, which represents preservation of the Ktunaxa language. Ultimately, the jerseys were a collaboration between many people who all had one goal in mind: support the children of ʔaq̓ am to take pride in who they are and their abilities. A collaboration which ʔaq̓ amnik teacher and coach, Rebecca Ryan was pleased to see.

“The students were so thrilled to receive the jerseys,” said Ryan. We have been focusing on developing physical literacy, and building competent movers who enjoy participating in physical activities. The jerseys will go a long way in encouraging them to participate, and show off their Ktunaxa pride. They didn’t want to take them off at the end of the day. Hu sukiǂq̓ ukni (thank you) to everyone involved for thinking of our children.”

Pictured above: Cranbrook Flooring owners Clint and Peggy Eaton, and ʔaq̓ amnik staff Rebecca Ryan, Todd Lunan, and Starla Atwood; with the students of ʔaq̓ amnik, in their new jerseys.

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