CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern Washington is getting ready to kickoff Native American Heritage month with new helmets and a home game against Sacramento State this Saturday.
For the month of November, the Eags will be wearing helmets with a custom decal that utilizes the Salish phrase of “uł pql̓qeyn” (pronounced oo-th p-kill-cane) which translates to a “group of eagles.”
The decal was first revealed last season for the EWU matchup against Montana State.
This Saturday, Eastern will host Sacramento State. Kickoff from Roos Field will be at 1 p.m. PST.
Before kickoff, there will be a Land Acknowledgement presented by Sebastian Whiz-Smartlowit, an EWU student from the American Indian Student Association and a Yakama Nation Tribal member.
The Salish National Anthem will be sung by 12-year-old Oakley Bluff (salish name: Mla (“muh-la”), meaning “Raven). Bluff is a Kalispel descendant and a student at Cusick Junior/Senior High School.
The halftime performance will also feature a traditional drum group and tribal dance.
The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a game day rooter card from the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort and Casino. The card will showcase the helmet artwork and pay tribute to the history of the Tribe in our community.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
