‘An important step’: Sports world recognizes National Truth and Reconciliation Day – Sportsnet.ca
Content warning: This story contains depictions and discussions of Residential Schools which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, a 24-hour national crisis line can be accessed by calling: 1-866-925-4419.
On May 27, 2021, a survey uncovered the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School from decades ago — some as young as three years old.
As thousands of Canadians laid out 215 shoes across the country to mourn the children in the following weeks, the remains of over 1,000 more children were discovered — including 715 at the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan.
In the wake of these tragic events, July 1, usually celebrated as a national day of Canadian pride, was instead a day of national mourning, and the Canadian government responded by amplifying Sept. 30, known as “Orange Shirt Day” since 2013, to a statutory holiday as the official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The orange shirt idea stems from Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s horrific experience of being stripped of all her clothes, including the orange shirt she couldn’t ever wear again, as a six-year-old entering a Mission School in the 1970s.
More than just a dark day or stretch in Canadian history, May 27 served as a stark reminder of Canada’s genocidal history toward indigenous peoples.
On Orange Shirt Day 2021, sports leagues, teams, players and media alike acknowledged the country’s dreadful past and called for further action to reconcile.
#EveryChildMatters pic.twitter.com/tsklXPxX3d
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 30, 2021
In honour of Orange Shirt Day, a land acknowledgement and artwork by Philip Cote – an artist and Ancestral Knowledge Keeper from Moose Deer Point First Nation – has been installed at Rogers Centre outside at Gate 15 and inside at Section 102. pic.twitter.com/em2NFA6O5k
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 30, 2021
Acknowledging our painful past is a vital component of the reconciliation process and we commit to do more toward real truth and reconciliation.
Here is a link for fans who are wanting to begin their learning journey | https://t.co/8wLyLwVjKm pic.twitter.com/l5wAHe0GDb
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) September 30, 2021
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important step in recognizing a shameful past and hopefully a springboard to action by our leaders for residential school survivors and affected communities. pic.twitter.com/PbVQ8UzuOS
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) September 30, 2021
Still We Rise #EveryChildMatters pic.twitter.com/DHs6G4vKhJ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 30, 2021
The Canadiens are practicing with orange-taped sticks this morning in recognition of today’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.#NDTR #EveryChildMatters pic.twitter.com/jW2IFWLjxw
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 30, 2021
Reflect, learn & remember. Today & every day #EveryChildMatters
The Toronto Maple Leafs are committed to utilizing our platform to honour the lost children & survivors of Canadian Residential Schools, their families & communities.
To learn more » https://t.co/0W5KvDzjF1 pic.twitter.com/lDqqMIhyHN
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 30, 2021
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 30, 2021
Today, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, we reflect on the tragic history of residential schools and their continued impact on our country. We wear orange shirts to honour the survivors and their families, but also the thousands who did not return home. pic.twitter.com/KRB4RUaTFS
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 30, 2021
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honor the victims and survivors of the residential school system. pic.twitter.com/1znI7AlBOR
— NHL (@NHL) September 30, 2021
September 30 is a day for reflection, action, and learning as we honour the survivors of residential schools, their communities, and remember the children who never returned home. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/kXG1HKj9y9
— Lacrosse Canada (@LacrosseCanada) September 30, 2021
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we will take the time to learn, reflect and heal. We honour the resilience of the residential school survivors, those who have perished and we reaffirm our commitment, in the spirit of reconciliation, to ensure #EveryChildMatters. pic.twitter.com/m2TNFZBREN
— Toronto Rock (@TorontoRockLax) September 30, 2021
— CFL (@CFL) September 30, 2021
Thinking of Phyllis Webstad and all the victims of the horrific residential school system in our country. Sending love and support to the survivors #NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay
— Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas) September 30, 2021
The NLL joins others in wearing orange to raise awareness of the tragedies at residential schools. Our athletes will be wearing this specially designed helmet decal throughout the season to honor the victims & survivors of the residential schools
Details: https://t.co/Y52XfLzx36 pic.twitter.com/VLdYaNgH1H
— NLL (@NLL) September 30, 2021
“It’s important to have these conversations. The effects are echoing throughout generations.” #TruthandReconciliationDay | #OrangeShirt | #NDTR | #NationalTRW pic.twitter.com/PbgDnh6GpE
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) September 29, 2021
The team is honoured to recognize September 30 as both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not return home.
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) September 30, 2021
Today is a day for remembrance, reflection, action and learning.
The Toronto Argonauts are committed to utilizing our platform in sport to honour, celebrate and advocate for Indigenous sport, history, and awareness. pic.twitter.com/NFTIXyUIO8
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) September 30, 2021
September 30, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Alouettes coaches wore several orange signs at the last game to acknowledge and reflect on the truths of our past and present.
Time to unite #everychildmatters pic.twitter.com/1gQJPA7qAy
— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes) September 30, 2021
Today and everyday we remember, learn, reflect, honour and take action. #TruthandReconciliation | #EveryChildMatters pic.twitter.com/i9HVIvbWZ4
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) September 30, 2021
On National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we encourage everyone to reflect and take time to learn the history of Residential Schools.
Our commitment is to be a leader in showing an increased level of understanding and education in our province.
LEARN: https://t.co/pogT1adlLI pic.twitter.com/O6qd0IcCby
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) September 30, 2021
On this, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we remember the victims of the inhumane residential school system and support the survivors. #OrangeShirtDay #WeWearOrange pic.twitter.com/buzXyZXnAB
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) September 30, 2021
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, @lyle4thompson shares his perspective, what we can learn from the past, and how we can support.
“With the trauma re-surfacing, it’s allowed us to open up this space for healing, for grieving and for educating.” pic.twitter.com/2FjxCHdApA
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) September 30, 2021
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We want to recognize this important date wearing our Indigenous Culture design hoodies created by Greyden Yee Louison from the Kahkewistahaw First Nation as part of the #UnitedWeCurl initiative. pic.twitter.com/9NE7IeYyzg
— Team Homan (@TeamHoman) September 30, 2021
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