Lead by example. Mentor the next generation. 

Community Mentorship via Volunteering.

Athlete leaders in the Orange Jersey Project are more than players, they’re role models who shape the future of sport and community. As part of the Pathmakers Program, teams volunteer with younger athletes in their communities, attending practices, leading drills, and sharing stories that build confidence, connection, and cultural awareness.

Reconciliation begins with relationships. This is where it starts.

By showing up on the ice, on the field, or in the gym, you create a meaningful bridge between generations, helping young players learn the values of respect, resilience, and reconciliation. This volunteer work not only strengthens team culture, it deepens each athlete’s impact beyond the scoreboard.

Workshop + Education Commitments.

Athletes in the Pathmakers Jersey Program commit to more than just learning—they participate in guided workshops facilitated by Jeremy Boston, Director at OJP, and Michael Hails, Assistant Project Manager.

build meaningful connections across generations and communities.

These sessions explore the history and ongoing impacts of Indian Residential Schools, and connect teams with Indigenous knowledge keepers from their local regions. Jeremy and Michael help bridge sport with culture by introducing athletes to nearby Nations, Elders, and community educators.

Through these hands-on, locally grounded learning experiences, teams deepen their understanding of reconciliation—building meaningful connections across generations and communities.

Host an Every Child Matters Game.

Athlete leaders are invited to host an Every Child Matters Game as part of their commitment to reconciliation. These events honor residential school survivors and bring communities together through sport and learning. A full planning toolkit is included with your jersey package.

Game On

The ECM Game toolkit includes land acknowledgment templates, pre-game ceremony guides, and social media resources.

Teams incorporate orange jersey presentations, survivor stories, and educational moments into game day. Local Indigenous leaders are often invited to participate, building bridges between sport programs and Indigenous communities.

Each event becomes a teaching opportunity that reaches players, families, and entire communities.