New for 2022, the Lions will also wear the special Indigenous-themed logo on our helmets. The logo was designed by Kwakwaka’wakw/Tlingit artist Corrine Hunt. You can read more about the story behind this special logo design HERE.
“I’m delighted that the BC Lions Orange Shirt Day Game is taking place for another year. Last year my dream of honouring residential school survivors and their families at a Lions game came into reality. It is important that we continue to spread the message of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Phyllis Webstad, whose story is the inspiration for starting Orange Shirt Day back in 2013.
“Although I won’t be in attendance at the game this year I will be there in spirit and encourage everyone to wear Orange in support of the Lions and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”
The BC Lions football club will provide a minimum of 350 complimentary tickets and food vouchers through IRSSS to residential school survivors and their families. The first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a complimentary orange t-shirt which features the logo designed by Corrine Hunt as well as the Orange Shirt Society’s official slogan, “Every Child Matters.” The partnership also will provide a $20,000 donation to the Orange Shirt Society.
“Our team at Prospera is deeply committed to broadening our understanding of Indigenous history and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion across our organization and the communities where we live, work and play,” says TJ Schmaltz, chief people and legal officer at Prospera.
“As part of our journey, we partnered with the BC Lions in bringing a football program to Indigenous youth earlier this year and are proud to help raise awareness for truth and reconciliation among our employees and at the Orange Shirt Day game on September 30.”
The Orange Shirt Day Game will also showcase the theme ‘Sport is Medicine.’ Throughout the game, we will highlight survivors who have dealt with adversity through sport and also showcase some current indigenous athletes. In addition, Elders from the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Métis Nations will be in attendance and honoured throughout the night.
New for 2022, our Indigenous Vendor Marketplace will feature vendors on the BC Place concourse getting the chance to showcase and sell their various goods. A line of merchandise featuring our Corrine Hunt First Nations logo will also be available for purchase. 100% of the merchandise proceeds will go to the Orange Shirt Society and Indian Residential School Survivors Society and to hosting survivors of the residential schools and their families at BC Lions home games.
It will also be a special evening for entertainment. DJ Orene Askew (AKA DJ O Show from Squamish Nation) will be our featured in-game DJ while the halftime show will feature drummers and dancers from Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.