The Western Hockey League, Orange Shirt Society, and Orange Jersey Project have partnered together to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, with an emphasis on supporting Indian Residential School Reconciliation; creating awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the Indian Residential Schools; and creating awareness of the concept of “Every Child Matters.”

In September 2022 as part of its commitment to supporting the purposes of the Orange Shirt Society, the WHL commissioned Metis artist Kim Vizi-Carmen of Pinerock Graphics to create a special WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo. This special logo was worn by WHL Clubs in the form of a helmet decal from Friday, September 30, 2023 through Sunday, October 9, 2023 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. WHL Clubs will continue to wear this special logo each season in close proximity to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Western Hockey League announced June 12, 2023 that, During the month of February, 11 WHL Clubs participated in the Orange Jersey Project. Participating WHL Clubs sported special-edition orange jerseys, complete with the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo, during warmups of regular season games during the month of February. Jerseys were auctioned off at the conclusion of the campaign with $22,500 in net proceeds from the WHL Orange Jersey auction donated back to the Orange Jersey Project. These funds will be directed towards providing 1,000 jerseys for minor
hockey teams, across Turtle Island.

In addition to WHL Clubs sporting Orange Jersey Project warmup jerseys, fans were able to purchase limited-edition WHL Truth and Reconciliation orange t-shirts by visiting their favourite team store in select WHL markets. Net proceeds from t-shirt sales were donated to the Orange Shirt Society.

This is part of a broader partnership between the WHL, Orange Shirt Society and Orange Jersey Project.

The WHL will be participating in the Orange Jersey Project in the upcoming 2023/2024 Season, announcements to follow summer 2023. Orange Jersey Project, the WHL and its participating Clubs will promote the physical and mental wellness of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth through sport while contributing to a conversation that has the power to change how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities live together.