A Charleswood high school football team is doing something special this week to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This Friday, the Oak Park Raiders will wear Truth and Reconciliation jerseys designed by a couple of the players.  

“Our high school has the highest percentage of individuals who identify as Indigenous of the four major high schools in Pembina Trails,” said Chris Ollson, coach of the Oak Park Raiders. 

The idea to create the unique jerseys was brought forward by Dawson Andrews, who two years ago was awarded the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award for his Indigenous leadership and community involvement. 

“Dawson and his teammates designed a uniform that will allow our Raiders football team to recognize the day of Truth and Reconciliation in a meaningful way.”

With help from Educational Assistant Jamie Gatta and teammate Rocco Linklater, Dawon chose the appropriate imagery to create the special edition Raiders jersey, which represents Indigenous teachings and the values of the team.

The jerseys will be worn to their game this Friday at 4:30 p.m. against the Vincent Massey Trojans.