Why the Bombers and Roughriders are wearing 'JSCN' stickers during the Banjo Bowl
A moment of silence was held before the game, and both teams sported stickers on their helmets with "JSCN" for James Smith Cree Nation in red, a colour of healing in Cree culture. (Source: Mason DePatie, CTV News)
The Banjo Bowl is back, but both teams are putting the football rivalry aside to pay respect to the horrific massacre in Saskatchewan that took place over the Labour Day long weekend.
The sold-out game fueled by years of sports feuding draws passionate fans from both prairie provinces each CFL season.
"The rivalry has been legendary for years," said Frances Matlock, a Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan who was tailgating before the game. "Even the other teams in the other provinces can't believe how big it is."
"It's just been there for years," noted Michelle Leach, who was also tailgating. "It's great how the fans just love their teams so much, and we just get loud."
The sellout event brings more than 30,000 people to IG Field every year, including some dedicated fans from Saskatchewan.
"We've been doing it the last five years with our crew from Winnipeg. They come to watch the [Labour Day Classic] in Saskatchewan and then we come out here for the Banjo Bowl," said Ron Olyowsky, a Roughriders fan from Saskatchewan.
Despite the rivalry, this year the teams are putting their history aside to show support for those affected by the massacre in Saskatchewan.
The mass stabbing incident left 11 dead, including one suspect, and 18 people injured. The other suspect in the attacks died after he was taken into custody by police after a four-day manhunt.
The teams addressed it in a joint statement on their social media.
"The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders stand together in remembering and honouring the victims of the horrific tragedy that took place in James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon, SK," read part of a post on the Bombers' Twitter page.
A moment of silence was held before the game, and both teams sported stickers on their helmets with "JSCN" for James Smith Cree Nation in red, a colour of healing in Cree culture.
It's a symbol appreciated by those with Saskatchewan roots.
"Very much so. The stickers on both team's helmets, that's very nice," said Olyowsky.
"It's a tragedy, and I think it's good that they are doing this, both teams. I love that the Bombers are doing this. It's very special," said Wendy Dunlop, who was wearing a watermelon helmet on her head with the same JSCN sticker on the back.
Though the two communities are coming together in a difficult time -- no grit will be spared past kickoff.
"It's just crazy. The fans on both sides are so wild. It's just a great atmosphere. I wouldn't to be at any other game than this one," said Taime Vallance, who was going to the game.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
A subset of Alzheimer's cases may be caused by two copies of a single gene, new research shows
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.
WATCH
WATCH Avian flu: Risk to humans grows as outbreaks spread, warns expert
H5N1 or avian flu is decimating wildlife around the world and is now spreading among cattle in the United States, sparking concerns about 'pandemic potential' for humans. Now a health expert is urging Canada to scale up surveillance north of the border.
Trudeau Liberals to unveil new bill Monday aimed at countering foreign interference
Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc will be tabling legislation on Monday aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada. Federal officials have scheduled a technical briefing on the incoming bill for Monday afternoon.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
New sensor system will warn drivers when Regina's Albert Street, Sask. Drive underpass is flooded
The City of Regina says a new warning system will help drivers avoid one of the most infamous problems in the Queen City, flooding at the Albert Street and Saskatchewan Drive underpass.
-
SaskTel employee caught running cash-for-credits scheme, costs Crown over $6,000
The organization that oversees the province's Crown corporations says that a SaskTel employee was caught taking personal payments in a cash-for-credits scheme.
-
SIRT investigating after women dies following Sask. RCMP investigation
Saskatchewan's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) will be conducting an investigation after a woman who was found to be in need of medical care in Swift Current died following a police response on Sunday.
Saskatoon
-
WestJet strikes deal with mechanics, avoiding Sask. flight disruptions
Saskatchewan travelers can breathe a sigh of relief — WestJet announced on Sunday it reached a tentative agreement with a newly-formed mechanics’ union just 48 hours before a threatened lockout.
-
London Drugs stores in Saskatoon could be open again soon following 'cybersecurity incident'
Saskatoon’s three London Drugs locations are set to re-open soon, one week after a data breach shut down stores across western Canada.
-
SIRT investigating after women dies following Sask. RCMP investigation
Saskatchewan's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) will be conducting an investigation after a woman who was found to be in need of medical care in Swift Current died following a police response on Sunday.
Edmonton
-
Second person charged with first-degree murder in Edmonton killing
A 37-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 70-year-old man in central Edmonton in late 2022.
-
Edmonton businesswoman fined, put on house arrest for scamming newcomers
An Ontario woman working in Edmonton has been convicted of defrauding newcomers of tens of thousands of dollars.
-
27 kilograms of cocaine seized in west Edmonton
Cocaine and MDMA were seized in a large bust in west Edmonton late last month.
Calgary
-
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
-
Calgary Shaw services disrupted after attempted copper wire theft
Some Shaw customers in north and northeast Calgary experienced a service outage on Monday morning after an attempted theft of copper wire.
-
Tourism Calgary welcomes new CEO Alisha Reynolds
Tourism Calgary has announced Alisha Reynolds as the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer.
Toronto
-
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.
-
High-ranking Toronto police officer helped officers cheat on exam due to isolation and mistreatment, lawyer says
The first female Black superintendent in Toronto Police Service history was attempting to diversify the ranks on her own when she helped six constables cheat in a promotions exam, her lawyer told a police tribunal.
-
Have you been removed from your family doctor’s patient list for visiting an Ontario walk-in clinic?
Some Ontarians are expressing frustration after they said that they were removed from their family doctor’s patient list for visiting a walk-in clinic in a process being called “de-rostering.”
Ottawa
-
'He was a nice kid': Sir Guy Carleton students remember teen stabbed to death
Students from Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School have placed roses outside the city building in Nepean where one of their classmates was stabbed on Thursday and later died of his injuries.
-
This Ottawa photo radar camera issued 7,500 speeding tickets in its first month
Newly released statistics show the photo radar camera on King Edward Avenue, between Cathcart Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 7,569 tickets during its first month of operation in March.
-
Here is when you will receive an alert during the Alert Ready test in Ottawa and Gatineau
Residents in Ottawa and Gatineau may receive an alert on their smartphones, radios and televisions in the next two weeks, as part of a test of Canada's national public alerting system.
Montreal
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Homemade bombs found under machinery at future Northvolt site in Quebec, company says
Homemade bombs have allegedly been placed under machinery on the site of Northvolt's future battery plant in Monteregie, seriously endangering employees, according to the company.
-
Tesla self-driving accident leaves Montreal man with hefty bill
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
-
Montreal organizations say the housing crisis is the leading cause of stress in psychiatric patients
The housing crisis is having a severe impact on tenants' mental health, say organizations calling on Quebec Premier François Legault to take action.
Atlantic
-
Youth charged with attempted murder after alleged stabbing in Prospect Bay, N.S.
Police say a youth has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Prospect Bay, N.S., Sunday morning.
-
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
-
Emergency alert test scheduled Wednesday for all three Maritime provinces
Maritime residents may receive an alert on their smartphones, radios and TVs Wednesday as part of a test for Canada's national public alerting system.
Vancouver
-
London Drugs warns new prescriptions can't be filled after cyberattack
London Drugs stores are unable to fill new prescriptions, the chain announced Monday, providing an update on its reopening following a cybersecurity incident.
-
Here's when B.C. is set to test its emergency alert system
B.C. is conducting its semi-annual test of the Alert Ready system this week.
-
Man and dog rescued after fishing boat sinks near Vancouver Island
A marine salvage operation is underway in U.S. waters off Vancouver Island after a man and his dog were forced to abandon their sinking fishing boat Friday.
Vancouver Island
-
Man and dog rescued after fishing boat sinks near Vancouver Island
A marine salvage operation is underway in U.S. waters off Vancouver Island after a man and his dog were forced to abandon their sinking fishing boat Friday.
-
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
-
Canucks vs. Oilers schedule released, Demko ruled out for Game 1
The Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for Round 2 this week, with the full game schedule released over the weekend.
Kelowna
-
Red dresses to make fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women
Models in uniquely designed red dresses are taking to the runway in British Columbia this weekend to make a powerful fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
-
B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup
Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
-
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA
An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
N.L.
-
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
-
Newfoundland fisherman says police broke his leg during protest that delayed budget
Richard Martin is spending this year's fishing season on land after he says a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer broke his left leg in three places during a protest last month that shut down the provincial legislature.
-
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole
Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. woman charged in fatal head-on Highway 17 crash
A 32-year-old northern Ontario woman has been charged in a head-on collision on Highway 17 near Espanola that killed one and seriously injured two others Sunday.
-
Man charged with child abduction in northern Ont. elects for trial by judge
A Brampton man in his 30s charged with abducting a northern Ontario boy last summer has elected to be tried by a judge without a jury.
-
Police say Northern Ont. suspect set residence on fire, barricaded themselves inside
A 57-year-old suspect has been charged following an incident early Monday morning in Sundridge.
Barrie
-
Horse and 2 drivers injured in collision
A 21-year-old horse was injured after the trailer he was in overturned following a collision in New Tecumseth.
-
Barrie program offers teens free transit rides
City of Barrie offers teens free bus rides to recreation centre.
-
One person seriously injured in Wasaga Beach collision
Provincial police in Wasaga Beach are asking for the public's help with their investigation into a single-vehicle collision over the weekend.
Kitchener
-
Man accused of stealing more than $300K in products from LCBO stores
A Guelph, Ont. man is believed to be responsible for stealing more than $300,000 worth of product from LCBO stores across the province.
-
Canada testing emergency alert system
Canada is testing its emergency alert system on Wednesday in most provinces and territories, excluding Ontario where the test is scheduled for May 15.
-
Stratford Beer Store forced to close due to fire
Flames and smoke could be seen coming out of a Beer Store in Stratford Monday, according to police.
London
-
London, Ont.’s flame train a reminder to sign up for emergency alerts
The city admits it is 'begging' Londoners to sign up for emergency alerts. The plea comes at the start of Emergency Preparedness Week, and just two weeks after a freight train engulfed in flames almost brought responders into a real-life emergency exercise.
-
Guelph police arrest London man in connection to alleged LCBO thefts
A London man has been arrested after police say he was involved in a theft in 2022 of more than $3,300 in alcoholic products from two Guelph LCBO stores.
-
How do you feel about the green bin program and change in garbage collection schedule?
The City of London is collecting feedback on the newly-rolled out green bin program and bi-weekly garbage pickup. According to the city, the feedback will be used to inform a preliminary review of the changes that were implemented Jan. 15.
