Teams wear Orange in support of Every Child Matters

September 30th marks the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada. This day of reflection and learning was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on the Canadian federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to create a statutory holiday recognising survivors of the Canadian Residential School system.

One of the survivors, Phyllis Webstad had her favourite shirt taken away from her when she was a child on her first day at Indian residential school. Since then Phyllis’s story has inspired the “Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters” movement which began on September 30th, 2013 in Williams Lake, British Columbia. The wearing of Orange Shirts on this day is an active step on the path towards Truth & Reconciliation as it is a reminder of the lasting impact of the Residential School system on survivors, their families and entire communities.

This past weekend teams around the league took the opportunity to commemorate Orange Shirt Day by wearing orange shirts during their games and outfitting their uniforms with orange accessories. 

The Western Collegiate Softball Association is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, respect and an understanding of peoples and cultures both on and off the field. As a league we fully support, and will continue to encourage and provide opportunities for all our members to participate in activities that allow us to listen, learn and actively build a path towards a brighter future.

For more Information on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, visit:

Homepage

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html