WHL Clubs Recognize National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

Photo Credit WHL

This isn’t something that should be within one part of society but rather within all communities so as we can get some form of resemblance of sheer respect back in today’s world which is sadly missing.

Now more than ever various sports groups are stepping up and showing support and recognizing Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with the Orange Shirt Society.

The Western Hockey League is no different with their member clubs will display a helmet decal depicting the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo between September 30th to October 9th which

was designed by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics. 

Having the logo on the helmet will increase overall awareness for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and around the world.

Ron Robison the WHL Commissioner mentioned “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,”.

He continued “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 started in September 2022, with a strong commitment by the league to contribute to the goals of the Orange Shirt Society which  includes

• 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 logo is anchored by the traditional Medicine Wheel, which represents all 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.

The logo provides guidance in practical endeavors as well as a spiritual identity for everyone in today’s world. 

September 30th marks the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day as well as serves the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which honours lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities which impacts residential schools within the reconciliation process.

On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada officially dedicated a 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 in which all Canadians play a role in the experience of reconciliation.

Canadians must learn to educate themselves by reading the 94 Calls to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. 

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