On Thursday, the Western Hockey League and the Orange Shirt Society made an official announcement about their new collaboration on projects to acknowledge and honour the heritage of residential schools.
On Friday, there will be an official holiday known as “Orange Shirt Day,” also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
All WHL players and officials will wear the special WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, created by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics, as a helmet decal from Friday through October 9.
Phyllis Webstad, the creator of Orange Shirt Day and an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society, said that this alliance would help spread knowledge and educate people about the effects of residential schools.
As a crucial step toward reconciliation, it is also establishing partnerships and a bridge between the WHL and Indigenous communities.
MORE READING In Lethbridge, Truth and Reconciliation Week gets underway.
The traditional Medicine Wheel, which stands for the four directions of North, East, South, and West, is the centrepiece of the WHL Truth and Reconciliation emblem, which also bears the WHL logo.
These four directions also stand for mental, emotional, and physical spirituality, as well as for elders, parents, children, and young people.
Along with the players and talent of the WHL, the four stars across the top of the logo stand in for the East, Central, B.C., and U.S. divisions of the four main junior hockey leagues.
Two feathers, which stand for honesty, truth, and wisdom, are featured at the top of the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo.
Antlers that stand for strength and courage are at the bottom of the emblem. The sun and moon can be found where the antlers converge. The moon acts as our protector, guardian spirit, and source of transformation, while the sun gives warmth, healing, and calm.
“I am delighted to present this visual image for the helmet decal in support of the WHL’s continuous dedication to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” stated Vizi-Carmen.
By including significant components that symbolise the land, the strength of its people, and the larger spirit within us all, the image is intended to honour survivors and communities.
In February, the WHL announced that it will also take part in the Orange Jersey Project.
The Orange Shirt Society launched that programme with the intention of using sport’s ability to inspire young athletes to learn about the history of the Indian Residential school system and to advance efforts toward truth-telling and peaceful coexistence with Indigenous Peoples.
Prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, WHL collaborates with the Orange Shirt Society.
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