An Orillia minor hockey team is one of just 750 teams from across Canada that have been selected to participate in the Orange Jersey Project.
The project is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Report's Call to Action 87.
It was, according to the project website, born out of an idea: “What if we could use 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.”
The U15A Orillia Terriers have embraced the project and its goals.
Players and parents have been engaging in learning opportunities with local Elder, Rosanne Irving, to deepen their understanding of the impact of residential schools.
In an effort to continue to raise awareness around the Calls to Action, the team will be wearing their orange jerseys in their York Simcoe Hockey Association game against the Aurora Tigers on Friday night.
Community members are invited to join in the team's effort to raise awareness by attending the game and wearing orange if possible.
The ceremonial puck drop takes place at 8:10 p.m. tonight (Feb. 24) at Rotary Place in west Orillia. This game was originally scheduled earlier this month and was postponed due to inclement weather.
At tonight's game, the Indigenous People’s Atlas of Canada giant floor map will be on display at Rotary Place. All are welcome to attend and support the initiative.
