Canada West members commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Student-athletes and teams share stories, wear orange and strengthen connections
Sept. 30, 2026 – Canada West student-athletes are joining communities across the country in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Since 2023, the conference has kept Sept. 30 free of scheduled competition, giving student-athletes and teams time to reflect, learn and connect with Indigenous leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Across Canada West, member institutions are carrying that work forward in ways shaped by their own communities and athletic spaces.
The Saskatchewan Huskies brought runners together at Whitecap Dakota First Nation for the fourth annual Dakota Classic, while the Manitoba Bisons are sharing messages led by Indigenous student-athletes and preparing to bring conference hockey games to Virden in partnership with Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
At the University of Calgary, Dinos women’s volleyball player Courtney Webber’s advocacy led to the installation of Treaty 7 Nations flags in the Jack Simpson Gym. In Vancouver, the UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team warmed up in orange jerseys designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. The jerseys were also worn by the team at a recent Hope and Health Community Camp in Burnaby.
Canada West encourages its community to take time on Sept. 30 to listen, learn and reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, and on the responsibilities we share in advancing reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives across CW
Recognizing both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, members from across CW have planned special initiatives to honour residential school Survivors, recognize their experiences, and show a collective commitment to ensure that Every Child Matters.
Here are some of the initiatives taking place across the conference:
Saskatchewan Huskies
The Huskies hosted the fourth annual Dakota Classic last Saturday, the flagship home event for the Huskie Cross Country team and the USask Huskies. Formerly known as the Sled Dog Open, the team's commitment to reconciliation in action first started in 2018 after the program embarked on an annual tradition of wearing orange competition uniforms in support of Every Child Matters and Truth and Reconciliation. In 2019, competitors from across the conference joined in, then in 2023 the race moved to Whitecap Dakota First Nation, the first and only self-governing First Nation in Saskatchewan.
The event began with a Reconciliation Walk, leading into the official 8-km races featuring competitors from the host Huskies, Alberta, Regina and Manitoba.
Manitoba Bisons
The Manitoba Bisons will be hosting two Canada West conference games against Regina in collaboration with Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation in Virden, Man. on Nov. 7.
The games aim to remove geographical barriers from accessing high-level hockey. Bisons alum Tréchelle Bunn is the Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and the teams will spend time sharing stories and inspiration during the full-day event.
The Bisons are also releasing a series of videos featuring Indigenous student-athlete-led messages for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Calgary Dinos
The Calgary Dinos and the University of Calgary have collaborated on a feature about women’s volleyball player Courtney Webber, whose efforts led to the installation of Treaty 7 Nations flags in the Jack Simpson Gym.
UBC Thunderbirds
Last Saturday evening, ahead of hosting Trinity Western, the UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team warmed up in new, custom orange jerseys which were worn at a recent Hope and Health Community Camp in partnership with the city of Burnaby. The 2026 commemorative Hope and Health jersey, designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr., symbolizes collective strength, Indigenous aspiration, and reconciliation through soccer on Turtle Island.
Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas
The Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas will be sharing student-athlete perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation on their social media channels throughout Sept. 30.
UNBC Timberwolves
In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day and also the upcoming Nats’ilnik Game-Day on Oct. 25, the UNBC Timberwolves were proud to unveil a collection of eight personalized posters highlighting their Indigenous initiatives and student-athletes.
From the institution’s Land Acknowledgement and Indigenous-themed jerseys featuring the work of Gitxsan artist Trevor Angus, to the traditional teachings of drum-making, student-athlete profiles, and UNBC Basketball’s visit to the Nisga’a Nation, each poster highlights a different part of our ongoing journey of learning, reflection, and growth.
Most importantly, these stories remind us that Truth and Reconciliation is not a destination. It is a continued commitment to learning, growing, listening, and taking meaningful action.
BioSteel Canada West TV
All BioSteel Canada West TV broadcasts incorporated Truth and Reconciliation–themed scoreboards last weekend, with key messaging shared from play-by-play announcers encouraging viewers to take time to listen, learn and reflect on the lasting impact of residential schools.
About Canada West
As the leading university athletic conference in the country, Canada West is home to student-athletes that excel in the classroom and their communities. The conference is comprised of 18 member institutions spanning from Victoria to Winnipeg, with over 3,200 student-athletes competing across 14 sports. Canada West’s mission is to train leaders and build champions by providing leadership in the delivery, regulation, and promotion of university level high performance sports programs throughout western Canada.