VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be acknowledging Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the match this coming Saturday, September 30, and observing the federal statutory holiday on Monday, October 2.
In observation, on Monday, Whitecaps FC youth programs across Canada will be paused, while the Whitecaps FC office will officially be closed for business, outside of required operations in advance of Wednesday's match.
"Truth and reconciliation is for everyone," added Luke Dandurand/wiyé.nox, Whitecaps FC supporter and a member of Kwantlen Nation. "Many Indigenous communities, like my own, have struggled to identify as "Canadian" after our continued mistreatment. However, sport creates connections between communities. Sport can help build bridges and foster healthy identities."
During warmup on Saturday, Whitecaps FC first team players will wear orange Every Child Matters shirts from Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), in partnership with MAKE Vancouver. These shirts were designed by Indigenous artist K.C. Hall (Heiltsuk Nation), in support and memory of the generations of Residential School Survivors. 100 per cent of profits from the shirts will be donated to youth programming at UNYA. The shirts will be for sale at section 220. For more information visit makevancouver.com.
Saturday’s match against D.C. United at BC Place will feature a pre-match moment of reflection to remember the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the ongoing intergenerational impacts of the residential school system. The Coast Salish anthem will also be performed, and Whitecaps FC supporters will be unveiling a visual display prior to kickoff at the east end of the stadium.
As part of the club’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and in partnership with Hope and Health, Whitecaps FC opened the club’s third mini-pitch in August with Tla’amin Nation. Previous mini-pitches were built in partnership with the Penelaku Tribe, and with Snaw-naw-as/Nanoose First Nation.
