Satbir Singh
Sports Information Coordinator 

Orange Shirt Day, also newly the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, takes place on Sept. 30 each year. The annual Orange Shirt Day opens the door to conversations on all aspects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind.

Mohawk Mountaineers women's softball will be hosting an Orange Shirt Game on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to increase awareness and show our support for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Mountaineers acknowledge that Mohawk College is situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabeg nations, within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum agreement. We recognize that this territory continues to be home to Indigenous peoples and are committed to developing closer relationships with Indigenous colleagues and students at Mohawk College, and the broader community. Beyond just creating awareness, as a team and staff we will continue to take the time and opportunities to learn and acknowledge the histories and realities of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada and how we can honour First Voice.

Women's softball will be hosting the Fanshawe Falcons in a doubleheader for the Mountaineers inaugural Orange Shirt Game. Spectators coming to the game are asked to wear an orange shirt to help increase awareness and support.

"We feel this is a topic that needs to continue to be at the forefront of the minds and hearts of Canadians," said Mountaineers head coach Erin Forman. "Our team wants to bring awareness to the Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families through the Residential School System and raise awareness about the struggles, judgements, violence and intergenerational impacts Indigenous communities face to this day."

"We want to honour those that survived and continue to deal with the impact of their experiences."

The first pitch will be thrown out by a softball player from the Indigenous community.

Donations will also be collected and provided to Save the Evidence through Woodland Cultural Centre.

"This isn't a one day event," Forman said. "We need to continue to practice allyship and educate everyone on the current realities for our Indigenous communities."

The first game of the doubleheader between the Mountaineers and Falcons is set to begin at 6 p.m., and the second game will start at 8 p.m.