September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. As a conscious step towards reconciliation, we honour those who have been impacted by Canada’s residential school system, including Indian residential school Survivors, their families and communities. As an act of decolonization, this day formally recognizes the history and legacy of residential schools and establishes the collective opportunity for a nationwide focus on learning, reflection and healing.
CapU acknowledges the ongoing search for unmarked graves and the trauma that is relived with every finding. This day is made particularly poignant with the news last week that 158 unmarked graves were identified through the Stó:lō Nation's investigation into missing children and unmarked burials in the Fraser Valley at former residential school sites. In April of this year, field work involving ground-penetrating radar revealed 40 unmarked children's graves at the former site of St. Augustine's Residential School on the lands of the shíshálh Nation. Our hearts go out to Capilano University Elder Robert Joe, the greater Sechelt community and the families of the missing.
In a display of unity, the Capilano Blues soccer team athletes will be donning orange shirts during warm-ups on game day during the away game on Saturday, September 30th when they face Langara’s soccer team and at home on Sunday, October 1st when they face Langara again. This initiative aims to showcase their unwavering support for Truth and Reconciliation.
The team cordially invites all attendees to join them in wearing orange clothing, thereby underscoring the significance of unity and raising awareness about this critical issue. This collective endeavour epitomizes Capilano University’s and Blues Athletics commitment to the process of reconciliation and acknowledging the truths of Indigenous communities.
