Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the Prince George Kodiaks announced Tuesday that the football game on Saturday, September 30 will be dedicated to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On that day, the Prince George Kodiaks will become the Lheidli T’enneh Kodiaks, complete with a specially designed jersey to recognize the growing partnership between the two organizations.
“We thank the PG Kodiaks for contacting us a few months ago and asking whether we wanted to collaborate to make the game on Sept 30th something special. The team knew the game would be played on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and how important this day is for Indigenous people across Canada,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan.
“They asked if we would help make it a special game to acknowledge residential school survivors, their families and communities, and to honour those thousands of Indigenous students who did not make it home from residential school.”
She said the game on Sept. 30 will allow all Kodiaks fans to learn more about the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous people but also to acknowledge that by working together we can move further along the road to reconciliation and a better future for everyone.”
Kodiaks team president Craig Briere said the community-owned Canadian Junior Football League team is proud to call Lheidli T’enneh unceded territory and the community of Prince George home.
“We are honoured to be working with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to ensure that our game on Sept 30th respects and recognizes what the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is all about,” said Briere.
“Reconciliation includes acknowledging the truth about what has happened to Indigenous people in Canadian history including the dark chapter of residential schools. Indigenous students in communities across the country never had the opportunity to enjoy sports like football after school and on weekends like other Canadian kids.”
He said he sees the team’s role in reconciliation as working closely with Lheidli T’enneh and developing opportunities for Indigenous kids to learn to play football.
On Sept. 30, the Lheidli T’enneh Kodiaks take on rivals the Okanagan Sun.
“We invite all football fans to help us pack the stands at Masich Place Stadium and help us reach our goal.”
Tickets to the game can be purchased online.
