A local hockey association is raising awareness about the impact of the residential school system through the community’s shared love of the sport.
The Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association is holding the “Ojichaag Yindaawin – Spirit of Community” event beginning on The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Friday until October 29.
“We were looking for opportunities to be involved in the community. We really didn’t see many formal events that were happening, so why not create something ourselves,” said Mike Moniz, the Wallaceburg Minor Hockey treasurer. “It’s wonderful when you can do that through a shared love of hockey.”
The event will kick off with a game and special opening ceremony on Friday at Wallaceburg Memorial Arena, and continue with special activities throughout October including First Nations food vendors at the arena and sharing of stories of local residential school survivors.
“It means so much to our association and our community because we have 30 per cent or more of players registered with Wallaceburg Minor Hockey [that] have direct ties to Walpole Island,” said Moniz.
Throughout the event, all the teams in the association will also have the opportunity to play games with new commemorative orange jerseys featuring the Ojichaag Yindaawin – Spirit of Community Logo.
Fundraising will also take place to support the Walpole Island Residential School Survivors Committee and the Bkejwanong Youth Council, including a 50/50 draw. An early bird draw will take place during the game on Friday with a chance to win $1,000.
To enter the Spirit of Community 50/50 draw, click here.