"Tonight, we honour and remember all of the children who went to school and didn't come home, as well as all of the other children and families who survived the atrocities of the residential school system as we begin recognizing National Truth & Reconcillation week at our first home preseason game," said Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "We acknowledge the genocide of the Indigenous community and are committed to do more toward real truth and reconciliation."
Prior to puck drop, a traditional land acknowledgement and official welcome will be presented on the videoboard by Councillor Brenda Morgan from Matsqui First Nation and Sumas Chief Dalton Silver, followed by a moment of silent reflection held in honour of the generations of children and families affected by Canada's residential school system. Afterwards, fans will be treated to a drum performance by Sto:lo Nation drummer, Johnny Williams (Xotxwes).
Canucks players will show their support to the Indigenous communities in British Columbia and across Canada by wearing official Orange Shirt Day shirts pregame. Our ice team and FIN will wear them during the game and Vancouver and Calgary coaching staff, in addition to media, hosts and arena staff, will wear orange ribbons to commemorate the evening.
Fans are encouraged to wear orange to the game and on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in support of Indigenous communities in BC and across Canada.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first observed in Canada in 2013 to honour the healing journey of Canada's residential school survivors and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation be a federal statutory holiday beginning this year.
Canucks Sports & Entertainment will also be recognizing and celebrating our Indigenous history and heritage at our annual Indigenous People's Celebration game on December 6th, when the Canucks play the LA Kings.
Fans can donate directly to the Orange Shirt Society by visiting
orangeshirtday.org/donations
.
