Over the past year, Canada was reminded of the tragedy of residential schools when the remains of children were found at several residential school sites throughout the country.
The legacy of residential schools remains a dark and sad chapter in Canada’s history, so FC Edmonton and the Canadian Premier League will join with Indigenous communities across this nation in mourning alongside other Canadians who continue to learn about the violence that took place in the past, and unfortunately continues into the present.
In recognition and in honour of the hundreds of children and families affected by these events, the club will pay its respect to them through several initiatives at the match designed to raise awareness and demonstrate support for this important movement. Those initiatives include:
- All starting players will be wearing the Canadian Premier League Every Child Matters orange t-shirt during the pre-match walk out and centre circle starting XI photo – https://canpl.ca/video/canadian-premier-league-honours-victims-of-residential-schools-in-pre-match-ceremony-at-the-kickoff
- Christina Hollingworth will be singing the national anthem in the Cree language.
- Hollingworth is a 15-year-old Enoch Cree Nation member and current U16 Alberta Provincial Champion in discus and shot put, an honour student, and singer/songwriter. She is proud to sing Oh Canada in Cree in memory of her Moshum and Kokoum Florence and Edward Morin both of whom were residential school survivors.
- A 50/50 Raffle in support of KidSport Edmonton, with all funds raised going towards Indigenous Youth applying for the ‘So ALL Kids Can Play’ grant – https://fcedmonton.canpl.ca/article/kid-sport-hosts-5050-fundraiser-supported-by-fc-edmonton
- The I.A.M Indigenous Artist Market Collective will be in attendance with 3-4 local Indigenous artists showcasing and selling their art and jewelry.
- The I.A.M Indigenous Artist Market Collective is a community of local Indigenous artists with a shared mission to uplift the voices and talents of Indigenous makers and entrepreneurs in its communities. Since their founding, they have provided a platform for new or returning artisans to show off their work, find real connections and establish a strong base of local support. To contribute to their objective, you can visit their many in-person and online market events.” – Source: https://www.infoedmonton.com/listings/iam-indigenous-artist-market-collective
- The University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies will be at the match promoting education through the Indigenous Canada course.
- Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions. https://www.coursera.org/learn/indigenous-canada
Fans are encouraged to arrive at Clarke Stadium early. The match start time is 8pm MDT, with gates opening at 7pm.
