Ontario Soccer Observes Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, Ontario Soccer commemorates Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by reflecting on the history of residential schools and amplifying Indigenous voices within the sport.
Play. Inspire. Unite.
Monday, September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day, two significant observances in Canada that recognize and address the painful legacy left by residential schools.
While both days share the same date and common purpose, each holds its own distinct meaning. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a federal statutory holiday to honour the survivors of residential schools and their families, while Orange Shirt Day began as a grassroots movement. Inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school, the Orange Shirt Day raises awareness about the experiences of children forced into those institutions.
Since its inception, the Orange Shirt Society has played a key role in educating the public about this dark chapter in Canada’s history. Ontario Soccer proudly supports the society’s efforts to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities, raise awareness, and promote education, while supporting the healing of Indigenous peoples who suffered firsthand or those that have been left with intergenerational trauma.
Residential schools left a devastating impact on generations of Indigenous families, with many children suffering abuse, forced assimilation, and separation from their culture and language. As we reflect on this hard truth, it's important to acknowledge the role reconciliation plays in healing these wounds and how each of us can contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate future. By listening to the stories of survivors and engaging with Indigenous communities, we can take meaningful steps towards truth and reconciliation.
Join us in wearing your orange shirts on Monday, but also taking the time to reflect on the history and lasting impact of residential schools, the importance of reconciliation, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate future. By educating ourselves and listening to the voices of Indigenous communities, we can honour their experiences and take meaningful steps towards healing.
You can support this initiative by wearing an orange shirt on September 30 and by purchasing official merchandise from the Orange Shirt Society. Find a retailer near you.
Ontario Soccer’s Commitment to Indigenous Communities
At Ontario Soccer, we recognize that working towards reconciliation involves more than awareness - it requires sustained action. As part of our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Indigenous peoples are a key focus in our participant recruitment and retention strategy. We believe in the importance of Indigenous participation in soccer and continue to push this important agenda forward.
This year, we undertook several initiatives that reflect our commitment to fostering inclusion and promoting soccer as a space for healing, connection and empowerment for Indigenous communities. We proudly work with Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) on these initiatives to ensure they are being conducted in a mindful and culturally-appropriate way.
Here’s a closer look at three key efforts Ontario Soccer has made in 2024:
BMO Kids Play ON! Indigenous Festival in Thunder Bay
Earlier this summer, Ontario Soccer and our friends at BMO traveled to Thunder Bay to host the first-ever BMO Kids Play ON! Indigenous Festival. This landmark event was designed to bring soccer directly to Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario, providing a platform for Indigenous youth to engage with the sport in a supportive, culturally aware environment.
The festival represented more than just a soccer event—it was a moment of connection between Ontario Soccer, Indigenous families and the larger Northern Ontario community. With a focus on celebrating Indigenous culture and creating new opportunities for participation, the festival was greatly received, drawing in youth who might not otherwise have experienced an organized soccer program of this kind.
Participants enjoyed various soccer activities, skill-building exercises, snacks and inflatables, to introduce them to the joy of the game. This festival is just the beginning of a long-term vision to bring more accessible and inclusive soccer opportunities to Indigenous communities across Ontario. Learn more about the event and how BMO is growing the game here.
In-Depth Interview with Dan Adams, BMO’s Interhim Head of Indigenous Banking, Ontario
During the BMO Kids Play ON! Indigenous Festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario Soccer had the opportunity to speak with Dan Adams, Interim Head of Indigenous Banking at BMO. Dan, who has spent over 25 years in the financial industry working to improve the economic and social wellbeing of Indigenous communities, shared valuable insights on how organizations like Ontario Soccer can best support Indigenous communities through sport while respecting and preserving their rich cultures.
In this powerful conversation, Dan emphasized the importance of building authentic relationships with Indigenous communities and providing opportunities. He discussed how soccer can be used as a tool to promote not just physical health but also social and emotional wellbeing.
By working with partners like Dan and BMO, Ontario Soccer is learning how to better serve Indigenous communities and take an active role in reconciliation. You can watch the full conversation with Dan Adams here.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Spotlight: Ghislaine Goudreau
For National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ontario Soccer spotlighted the inspiring story of Ghislaine Goudreau, a dedicated coach from Sudbury who has been a trailblazer in advancing Indigenous participation in soccer. Ghislaine’s passion for coaching goes beyond the field - she is an advocate for creating spaces where Indigenous youth feel welcomed, supported and empowered through sport.
Ghislaine shared her experiences working with Indigenous youth, highlighting the challenges they often face in accessing organized sports like soccer. She supports using sport to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
By celebrating Ghislaine’s contributions, Ontario Soccer is acknowledging the crucial role that Indigenous coaches and leaders play in expanding the reach of soccer making the sports accessible to all, regardless of background. Read her full story here.
