WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, designed by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics (WHL)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

New logo and other initiatives

Western Hockey League announces partnership with Orange Shirt Society

Sep 29, 2022 | 1:30 PM

The Western Hockey League (WHL) announced on Thursday a new partnership with the Orange Shirt Society along with new initiatives to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.

September 30, 2022 serves as the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honoring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. The Government of Canada created the federal statutory holiday on June 3, 2021, in response to the 80^th Call to Action out of the 94 identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“The WHL is proud to partner with the Orange Shirt Society to create awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the residential school system,” said WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “As we journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, all Canadians have a responsibility to educate themselves further on the deep trauma that continues to inflict pain upon generations of people to this day.”

Through this new partnership, the WHL says they will contribute to the goals of the Orange Shirt Society, including:

• 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,
• Creating awareness of the concept of “Every Child Matters”

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“This partnership will help raise awareness and education about the impacts of residential schools,” said Phyllis Webstad, Founder of Orange Shirt Day and Ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society. “It is also building a bridge and creating relationships between the WHL and Indigenous communities – an important step towards Reconciliation.”

Firstly, the WHL has commissioned a special WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, designed by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics.

WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, designed by Métis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics (WHL)

Additionally, during February 2023, the WHL states they will be participating in the Orange Jersey Project, an initiative created by the Orange Shirt Society aimed at using the power of sport to serve as a vehicle toward educating young athletes about the history of the Indian Residential school system and strengthening the path toward truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

From Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 9, WHL players and WHL officials will be wearing the logo in the form of a helmet decal to generate awareness of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. WHL fans are also being encouraged to wear orange during this period of time to show their support.

“In support of the WHL’s ongoing commitment to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I am proud to share this visual image for the helmet decal,” said Vizi-Carmen, Métis graphic designer with Pinerock Graphics. “The image is meant to honour survivors and communities by incorporating meaningful elements that represent the land, the strength of its peoples, and the greater spirit within us all.”

WHL officials state that, ultimately, the logo provides guidance in practical endeavours as well as a spiritual identity.

Since the closure of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has confirmed that over 4,100 individuals were lost to the residential school system.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation represents an opportunity for all Canadians to listen and learn from Indigenous leaders, elders, artists, and knowledge keepers about their perspectives and experiences. All Canadians have a role to play in the experience of reconciliation,” said WHL officials in a statement.

For Survivors or family members impacted by the residential school system, emotional support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the national Residential School Survivor Support Line at 1-866-925-4419.