(Article courtesy icewolves.ca)
Sept. 30 is National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
The La Ronge Ice Wolves will wear commemorative orange jerseys during warmup Saturday night against the Flin Flon Bombers to honour the survivors, the lost and their families.
“The orange t-shirt has become the symbol used to recognize the dark legacy of the Canadian residential school system,” said Kelly Graham, a board member with the Ice Wolves. “Our logo has also been changed to the Cree language translation of Ice Wolves.”
Additionally, the Ice Wolves are partnering with the Downie Wenjack Group. The Downie Wenjack Fund is a national organization that is designed to engage and empower schools and groups to further reconciliation. It was inspired by the true story of Chanie Wenjack – a 12-year-old boy who died while trying to escape his residential school and get home.
“The purple hat has become the national symbol of the Wenjack story,” said Graham. “The commemorative jerseys will also have the purple hat patch.”
The Ice Wolves will join Churchill Community High School for its Walk for Wenjack Sept. 28.
Meantime, prior to Saturday’s home game against Flin Flon, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Councillor Devin Bernatchez will take part in a ceremonial puck drop. Bernatchez was the first player signed by the Ice Wolves in 1998.
