As National Truth and Reconciliation Day approaches, the Vancouver Thunderbirds are recognizing and raising awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school systems in Canada. Our association is participating in 3 ways:

  1. The U9 division will participate in the Orange Jersey Project by wearing orange jerseys the week of September 30th. The Orange Jersey Project “uses the power of sport to serve as a vehicle toward educating today’s young athletes about the history of the Indian Residential School System and strengthen the path toward truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”.
  2. Vancouver Thunderbirds have partnered with the City of Vancouver to raise awareness by placing Every Child Matters artworks by Betty Albert and Williams Monague in Sunset, Kitsilano, and Kerrisdale arenas.
  3. With the support of the Orange Shirt Society, all Tbirds players, head coaches, assistant coaches and on ice volunteers will receive an Every Child Matters decal for their helmet.

Orange Shirt Day, taking place on September 30th, is a global day to open the dialogue to all aspects of residential schools. We encourage our members to take the opportunity to learn and engage in meaningful discussion. Please visit Orange Shirt Society to learn more about this day and locate resources on how to show your support.

We also would like to acknowledge that our Vancouver Thunderbirds Hockey members live and play on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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