Pacific FC to Host Orange Shirt Day Match

September 30, 2022 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Pacific FC News Release

Langford, BC – Members of Indigenous groups from across the region will join Pacific FC at Friday’s home match against FC Edmonton to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Representatives from Beecher Bay, Esquimalt, Tsartlip, Songhees, Cowichan nations will take part in a pre-match ceremony on the pitch and activities in Starlight Stadium. The special ceremony will include a moment of silence, commemorating the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residentials schools and honouring survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

“It is an honour for us to be collaborating with our local Indigenous communities on this important day for our country,” said Paul Beirne, Managing Director, Pacific FC. “We look forward to seeing Starlight Stadium filled with orange shirts on our players, fans, staff and special guests.”

Fans attending the match are encouraged to wear orange, a symbol of the stripping away of culture and freedom experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

During the match, Pacific FC players will be wearing the club’s alternate kit designed by Coast Salish artist Johnny Maynard Jr. The black, white, and teal jersey was designed in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, highlighting the work that still needs to be done throughout the country. The jersey, which was launched in April 2022, features a salmon that represents the rejuvenation and resilience of Indigenous people and a child to symbolize a positive future.

Pacific FC is auctioning off a framed version of its alternate kit signed by Maynard, as well as a Concacaf match ball signed by the team as part of its Orange Shirt Day Auction. All proceeds will go to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society. The auction is live now here, and runs until Saturday, Oct. 1 at 12 a.m. PT.

Friday’s match begins at 7 pm PT following the ceremonial tribute at 6:45 pm.

For tickets: https://pacificfc.canpl.ca/tickets/

• Discuss this story on the Canadian Premier League message board…

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.