Softball Canada’s office will be closed on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) to acknowledge the history and trauma caused by residential schools and to honour the survivors, families, and communities who continue to grieve for their loved ones. We encourage all our members to take the opportunity to recognize and reflect on the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and to consider what each of us can do to help advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
We take great pride in the history of our game among Indigenous Peoples and will continue to advance our efforts in promoting their stories and supporting their events and programs.
Some of the steps Softball Canada has taken towards building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities include:
- Land acknowledgements on websites and at all meetings.
- Welcome/blessing ceremonies by local Elders at national/international events.
- Development of an Indigenous Long-Term Participant Pathway.
- Support of the Canadian Native Fastball Championships and North American Indigenous Games.
- Professional development and training opportunities for national and provincial/territorial leaders.
- Supporting the development of Indigenous coaches through the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canada Games Council’s Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program.
- Training opportunities for Indigenous members through our Provincial/Territorial Associations.
We are committed to continuing our work with the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Sport for Life, INclusion INcorporated and our Indigenous softball groups to improve our programs and services.
Softball Canada encourages our members to reflect and educate themselves on the importance of this day, to wear orange to honour and remember the children and families impacted by the trauma of the residential schools, and to familiarize themselves with the 94 Calls to Action Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, including those directly related to Sports and Reconciliation (87 to 91).
