MONTREAL — “Be proud of your heritage and continue to be a positive example for those who follow you.”
It was Carey Awardduring an interview on the sidelines of the Aboriginal Celebration Evening at the Bell Center in March.
The Canadiens goaltender detailed some of his experiences growing up in Anahim Lake, British Columbia.
Video: Carey Price talks about her Indigenous roots
“Lake Anahim is, first and foremost, quite remote. It’s small. Growing up in a rural area, it was three hours away from cell phone service, and at the time it was an hour and a half drive from gravel to get to Lake Anahim. , so I got a real appreciation for the outdoors and spending time outdoors, which is still with me today,” Price explained. down are friendly people. They are survivalists. Everyone has a great spirit. They are always ready to help and lend a hand, because you never know when you will need a helping hand in return.”
The 34-year-old’s Instagram account features countless images showing his genuine appreciation for hiking and fishing.
It’s a nod to his past and a passion he intends to continue sharing with his children Liv, Millie and Lincoln as they get older.
“Subsistence hunting and gathering is a big part of our community. It has always been a big part of who we are as the people of Lake Anahim and the surrounding area. It’s something everyone is proud of. There are traditional practices that are still practiced today as a means of sustenance,” Price added. “I have always loved the outdoors and being able to put food on the table for my family. I think these practices are essential for our people, and I hope I can pass on this knowledge.”
The 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner also spoke about the impact his parents have had on him over the years.
His father, Jerry, is a former goalie. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1978, which was “probably the main reason I finally became a goaltender.”
“I always wanted to be like dad,” Price said. “Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I had continued to play in defence. It was something I also loved when I was a kid.”
His mother, Lynda, is a community leader in Anahim Lake, where she is chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation.
She was re-elected for a second consecutive term last June.
“My mom has the leadership qualities that I admired. She’s a very hardworking person. She’s very dedicated to the betterment of the community. It’s not always an easy position to be in, in a leadership position My analogy of being a chef is kind of like being a referee, no matter what you do, somebody’s not going to be happy,” Price noted. “I’m very proud of her. She puts her heart and soul into improving the community, so I think she’s the perfect person for this job and I hope everyone likes her.”
The 15-year-old veteran says his children “call my mother ‘Utsoo, who is grandmother in our mother tongue.”
Price’s roots are clearly very much alive in his home.
“Right now, they’re still pretty young to understand most of it. Livy is starting to get to an age where I think she’s understanding a little bit more,” Price said of her six-year-old daughter. “As we move forward, I will continue to tell her stories about our past, and I hope she takes that into account and is part of a better future.”
With good role models all around her, she definitely will.
“Leading by example has always been my way of leading,” Price concluded. “I believe your actions will always speak louder than your words.”
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