The Vancouver Canucks have announced two preseason games this year that will honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30): Saturday, September 30 against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena, and Wednesday, October 4 against the Seattle Kraken at Abbotsford Centre. These preseason games for the Canucks will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Orange Shirt Society and the third annual observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Canucks Sports & Entertainment organization is grateful to be located on the unceded and ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. The group recognizes the history of wrongdoing against Indigenous Peoples and is dedicated to promoting truth and reconciliation by giving voice to underrepresented First Nations communities.
“Our organization recognizes the important role we can play in highlighting voices from local First Nation communities to help educate and spread awareness of the importance of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports and Entertainment, Business Operations. “Across our organization – and with our fans on these two evenings – we are honoured to commemorate alongside our First Nation communities.’
In an effort to make everyone feel like they belong, the organization has instituted these celebrations of diversity and inclusion.
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Each game will begin with a ceremonial puck drop at centre ice, attended by notable visitors. On September 30 at Rogers Arena, members of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Kamloops First Nations will be present as honoured guests. On October 4, Abbotsford Centre will host an event with special guests from the Sumas and Matsqui Nations. A Coast Salish Prayer Song, a minute of silence, and a traditional dance will be performed in tribute to the victims and survivors of residential schools before the ceremonial puck drops. Before Saturday’s game, members of the Vancouver Canucks will hear from a representative of a First Nation community.
The Canucks are taking action by commissioning Musqueam artists Victoria Friesen and Chase Grey to design their orange 2023 uniforms. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation celebrations in British Columbia and throughout Canada will combine “Every Child Matters” principles to continue the artistic legacy of passing down the history and tales of indigenous people. While supplies last, you may purchase a shirt at Vanbase.ca or at the games, with all proceeds benefiting the Orange Shirt Society.
These two happenings will be followed by the Vancouver Canucks’ annual First Nations Celebration game, which this year will be played on December 5 against the New Jersey Devils.