A Burnaby camp for young soccer players is also inviting their families for crafts and fun while celebrating those who've stewarded the local lands.
The city and Hope and Health For Life Society have scheduled the first-ever community camp for kids next Saturday, Sept. 23 as an official kick-off for local events for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the annual statutory holiday, Sept. 30, is meant to give Canadians the opportunity to reflect on the trials of Indigenous peoples in the country's history.
As well, wearing orange is strongly encouraged to honour residential school survivors in the belief that "Every Child Matters" and raise awareness on the former system's inter-generational impacts.
Hope and Health is set to begin with a traditional opening circle in welcoming those in attendance for the soccer camp and activities on site at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex (BLSC).
On the pitch, players and coaches of Nautsa'mawt FC — members of the semi-pro League 1 BC based in Vancouver — will be on hand for dynamic skills sessions and host mini-games.
The club is also owned and operated by Hope and Health For Life Society.
"Our amazing community coaches will use soccer skills, drills and challenges to build physical literacy, strength and conditioning," the Burnaby camp's description states, noting every player involved will receive a jersey and ball.
"The beautiful game will bring children and youth together in unity."
While soccer commences, families will be able to treat themselves to arts and crafts, face painting, cultural stations and bouncy castles.
The City of Burnaby says the camp is for kids aged three to 18 and will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at BLSC west fields #1 and #3 — located at 3677 Kensington Ave.
Registration is required and there is currently a waiting list.
Burnaby resides on the unceded ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nations.
For more information or to register, you can visit the city's website or Hope and Health's page.
