WHL partners with Orange Shirt Society

Supporting Indian residential school reconciliation.
Creating awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the Indian residential schools through Orange Shirt Society activities.
Creating awareness of the concept of “Every Child Matters.”

As part of their commitment to reconciliation, the league commissioned a special WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, designed by Metis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics.

Vizi-Carmen says it features the WHL logo anchored by the traditional Medicine Wheel, which represents the four directions of north, east, south, and west. She says it is symbolic of the WHL’s east, central, B.C., and U.S. divisions.

“In support of the WHL’s ongoing commitment to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I am proud to share this visual image for the helmet decal,” says Vizi-Carmen. “The image is meant to honour survivors and communities by incorporating meaningful elements that represent the land, the strength of its peoples, and the greater spirit within us all.”

The WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo was designed as part of the league’s partnership with the Orange Shirt Society. (Image: WHL)

Orange Shirt Day Founder Phyllis Webstad says she is grateful for the support of organizations like the WHL.

“This partnership will help raise awareness and education about the impacts of residential schools,” says Webstad. “It is also building a bridge and creating relationships between the WHL and Indigenous communities – an important step towards Reconciliation.”

The announcement of the OSS partnership occurred during Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge and one day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In Lethbridge, Indigenous art is being incorporated into large “Oki” signs at six prominent locations throughout the city.

by David Opinko

WHL partners with Orange Shirt Society

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