WHL Clubs to recognize Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that for a second consecutive season, WHL Clubs will recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with the Orange Shirt Society.
From Saturday, September 30 through Monday, October 9, WHL Clubs will sport helmet decals depicting the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, which was designed by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics. The placement of the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo on the helmet of players serves to generate awareness for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. WHL fans are also encouraged to wear orange during this period of time to show their support.
“The WHL is proud to continue its partnership with the Orange Shirt Society to create awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the residential school system,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “All Canadians have a responsibility to educate themselves on the trauma that continues to inflict pain upon generations of people to this day, and the WHL is honoured to play a part in this process as we strive towards Truth and Reconciliation.”
Fans will also see in-venue programming, including a moment of silence, to commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Canada.
The partnership between the WHL and Orange Shirt Society began in September 2022, with the WHL committing to contribute to the goals of the Orange Shirt Society, including:
- Supporting Indian Residential School Reconciliation;
- Creating awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the Indian Residential Schools through Orange Shirt Society activities, and;
- Creating awareness of the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
The WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo features the WHL logo anchored by the traditional Medicine Wheel, which represents the four directions of North, East, South, and West; spirituality in its various forms – mental, emotional, and physical; as well as our elders, parents, youth, and children.
Traditionally, stars act as our guide or a compass to provide direction. The four stars depicted above the WHL logo incorporate this while also representing the four divisions – East, Central, B.C. and U.S. – along with the players and talent of the WHL.
The top of the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo features two feathers representing honesty, truth and wisdom. At the base of the logo are antlers representing courage and strength. Where the antlers meet one will find the sun and the moon. The inclusion of the sun brings warmth, healing, and peace, while the moon serves as our protector, guardian spirit, and transformation.
Ultimately, the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo provides guidance in practical endeavours as well as a spiritual identity.
September 30, 2023 represents the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and also serves as the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is key within the reconciliation process.
On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada created this federal statutory holiday to commemorate the legacy of residential schools. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation represents an opportunity for all Canadians to listen and learn from Indigenous leaders, elders, artists, and knowledge keepers about their perspectives and experiences. All Canadians have a role to play in the experience of reconciliation.
One of the first steps Canadians can take on the journey towards reconciliation is to educate themselves by reading the 94 Calls to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Since the closure of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has confirmed that over 4,100 individuals were lost to the residential school system.
SUPPORT: If you are a Survivor of or family member impacted by the residential school system and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419
About the Orange Shirt Society
The Orange Shirt Society was formed in Williams Lake by the founders of Orange Shirt Day to encourage and support communities to recognize Orange Shirt Day and to support reconciliation events and activities. Our goal is to create awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools through Orange Shirt Day activities, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.