World Champion hoop dancer Alex Wells from the Lil'wat Nation, Mount Currie, will be performing at halftime of the volleyball and soccer games on Thursday, and Mama Bear Catering, also from the Lil'wat Nation, will be serving traditional indigenous food as SFU Athletics & Recreation recognizes National Truth & Reconciliation.
 
Fans will enjoy traditional Indigenous food, such as Salmon Potato Patties, Indian tacos, Bannock, and Elephant Ears during the games. The women's soccer game begins at 5 p.m. at SFU Stadium, volleyball at 7 p.m. in the West Gym and men's soccer at 7:30 p.m. at SFU Stadium.
 
Prior to first serve at volleyball, Elder Marie Hooper from Kwikwetlem First Nation will welcome fans, who are encouraged to wear orange to honour those impacted by Canada's residential school system.
 
Thursday's recognition has been driven by the SFU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), in consultation with SFU First Nations, Métis & Inuit Student Association. SAAC will be raffling prizes at the games with proceeds to Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
 
Later this year SFU Athletics and Recreation will unveil a permanent display in the Lorne Davies Complex to honour some of SFU's indigenous student-athletes.
 
This week is also a time to come together in the spirit of reconciliation, and to honour those who have been impacted by Canada's residential school system. Events and activities to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, will take place all week across SFU's three campuses. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange during this time to pay respect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.
 
MARIE HOOPER is an Elder from Kwikwetlem First Nation. She keeps her knowledge of the history of the Nation and its families. This is passed down from her ancestors, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and mother who is 96 years old and all of whom have lived on the reserve lands and territories.  Marie, who was born in the UK, immigrated to Vancouver in 1967. Her background is Coast Salish, English, Scottish and Portuguese. Marie has studied at B.C. Institute of Technology and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Her qualifications include Indigenous Environmental Archeology, Ecologic Engineering, and Guardian of the Indigenous lands and territories.  Marie is a mother of four and grandmother of nine. Her passion is bringing residential school awareness and sharing the truth that her family and others have endured.
 
ALEX WELLS is a three-time World Champion hoop dancer from the Lil'wat Nation, Mount Currie, BC. First Nations dance and cultural tradition has been his family's way of life and Alex combines the art of the drum and dance with the rich, colourful native culture. He will be performing at halftime of all three games at approximately 5:45 p.m. (women's soccer halftime, SFU Stadium), 7:45 p.m. (volleyball halftime, West Gym) (4 minutes) and 8:15 p.m. (men's soccer halftime, SFU Stadium).
 
MAMA BEAR CATERING, from the Lil'wat Nation, Mount Currie, will be serving traditional Indigenous food under the red tent on the patio at all three games. Enjoy Salmon Potato Patties with Bannock & Coleslaw, Indian tacos & Hot Dogs, Elephant Ears, Lemon Aid and Traditional Herbal Tea.
 
#RepTheLeaf #OrangeShirtDay #NDTR