The Delta Islanders are hosting a double-header lacrosse event to recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Delta will play host to the New Westminster Salmonbellies on Wednesday night June 22 at the Ladner Leisure Centre.
First up at 6 p.m. is the Junior B Tier 1 game followed by the B.C. Junior A game at 8:30 p.m. There will be food, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Orange Shirt Society, Moose Hide Campaign and Residential School Survivors Society.
Islanders president Matt Hoegg said the idea behind the event started last year.
“At the end of last season, coach Nathan Wilson thought it would be a great idea for us to have a third jersey designed around the Tsawwassen First Nations original lacrosse logo,” said Hoegg. “And we could wear it at or around National Indigenous Peoples Day, so that started the conversation. Then we thought why don’t we do an event, and as it turns out, we were double booked with the Tier 1 and Junior A on the same day on June 22, so this is amazing – we can do a lacrosse double header and make an event of it.”
The jerseys have been designed by Tsawwassen First Nation artist Karl Morgan.
“Getting the jersey’s going was the first part. Then we touched base with New West and the league and everyone was on board and super supportive of the idea. We’ve had great support,” he said. “We’re really excited. This is long overdue in Delta. We have such an amazing lacrosse community and such a supportive Indigenous community as well. I think this will become an annual event.”
Hoegg said during the game a silent auction will be held where lacrosse fans can bid on the jersey’s which will then be presented to the winning bidder after the game.
