Truth and Reconciliation Through Sports
Orange Jersey Project was born out of an idea. “What if we could use the power of sport to serve as a vehicle toward educating today’s young athletes. Orange Jersey Project is designed to encourage action for truth and reconciliation and can help educate athletes about the true history of the Indian Residential school system in Canada. Orange Jersey Project works to create awareness of the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools and strengthen the path toward truth and reconciliation with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples.
2023 marked the 10th year anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and the 3rd year of the Orange Jersey Project.
2024/2025 season we are in the planning stages to release other sports for youth jerseys . Follow us here and on social media for more information.
Online Educational Platform- LMS (Learning Management System) is Now Available for all qualified Minor Hockey Teams and all WHL Western Hockey League (Teams/Staff)
Orange Jersey’s
For Youth Teams U9 to U18
We welcome all Minor Football, Hockey, Lacrosse Sports Teams across Canada. Teams are encouraged to register to participate. Coaches and Team Managers can register their youth Minor Sports teams, ranging from U9 to U18 to participate in the Orange Jersey Project. Teams who qualify will receive Orange Jerseys and access to the Online Educational Platform (LMS)
Why orange jerseys?
Orange has become a National/Global Symbol for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Jerseys have the Power to serve as a Vessel for Conversation and education.
Our idea was to provide youth athletes across Turtle Island orange jerseys to wear at Games or Practices. so the athletes would ask the question “Coach, why are we wearing orange jerseys?” This simple question has the power to change how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities live together.
Together, we can help our young athletes learn about the history of the Indian Residential School System and actively participate in reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Sports and Reconciliation
90. We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:
i. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal peoples.
ii. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
iii. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal peoples.
iv. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.
The Orange Jersey
Project Objectives
To inform, educate, and engage with youth about the history of the residential school system
Promote truth and reconciliation throughout Canada
Promote physical and mental wellness of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth through sport
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