Gordon Bressette
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Name: |
Gordon Bressette |
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FNMI community: |
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point |
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Birth Year: |
2007 |
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Sport(s): |
Hockey and lacrosse |
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Nominator: |
Bob Bressette |
It’s not always the skillset that sets players apart. Gordon’s a mindful player who always thinks about others before himself. He demonstrates true sportsmanship in the game. He has made significant growth in the sport of hockey and is beginning to become a good defensive player in lacrosse.
Part of his leadership skills involves helping teammates and opponents understand his Indigenous background, even at the hand of some racism geared towards him and his long hair that he usually wears in braids. He takes his culture seriously, and has begun to learn who he is, and where he comes from. When teased by his teammates about his long hair, Gordon took the opportunity to tell them why he has long braided hair and what the braids mean – a sign of strength, commitment, and a sense of mind, body, and spirit.
In the community, Gordon likes to volunteer at several key events. In Kettle Point, Gordon likes to volunteer at the various cultural events, such as our annual Powwow, Orange Shirt Day, Remembrance Day, and our Unity Gathering.
Gordon’s top hockey hero is currently Ethan Bear. When Gordon heard how Ethan was treated after his team was eliminated from the playoffs, Gordon thought to send an email to those involved and told them his story in hockey and that he supports Ethan for standing up to racism.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Gordon Bressette in many of his years in hockey from the Learn to Skate programs all the way up to last year in Bantam hockey. When I think about Gordon, I think about a young man that is dependable, smart and is a pleasure to be around. I have seen Gordon’s work ethic grow throughout the years. He works on and off the ice to improve his skills and has become a solid defensemen.” – Coach
