OGIMAAWABIITONG

June 11th 2021
Kenora, ON
For immediate release

Kenora Chiefs Advisory and its Board of Directors are applauding the Jays Care Foundation run by the Toronto Blue Jays for their recent announcement regarding their 50/50 proceeds.
This evening the Jays Care Foundation are announcing that proceeds from the sale of their 50/50 draw through June 27th will be donated towards healing for residential school survivors, and programs that support indigenous youth.

In a commercial that will be played during Toronto Blue Jays games on Sportsnet, the message includes, “We have once again been reminded of the painful legacy of residential schools. Acknowledgement of this brutal past is not enough; the time has come for meaningful action for a better future in solidarity with indigenous peoples.”

Kenora Chiefs Advisory has held a partnership with the Jays Care Foundation for our Indigenous Rookie League since 2016.

Youth from the Treaty 3 Territory, who partake in the Indigenous Rookie League were featured in the commercial tonight.

More recently the Jays Care Foundation awarded funding to the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, through their Field of Dreams programs to develop and build a baseball diamond for the youth, which will be developed at the new Youth Camp property KCA is in the process of developing.

“This tragedy has been a big reminder to Canada that the impact of residential schools continues to effect indigenous people everywhere, every single day,” said Chief Lorraine Cobiness, KCA Board President. “We have always held a powerful a wonderful partnership with the Jays Care Foundation, and I think it is a positive step in the right direction that they have decided to donate a portion of the proceeds towards survivors and those who have suffered the impacts of residential schools, as well as working towards supporting indigenous youth for a brighter future.”

Our organization and Board would like to thank the Jays Care Foundation as we continue forward with our partnership, for taking the time to engage in meaningful conversations, and taking action in finding solutions to try and bring awareness to this devastating issue.

Kenora Chiefs Advisory continues to encourage everyone to educate themselves on the residential school impact, as well thinking about ways you in your own community can advance the calls of truth and reconciliation moving forward.

The video message will be played twice per game on Sportsnet until June 27th.

If you would like to support the Jays Care Foundation 50/50 you can purchase tickets at bluejays.com/5050.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Abbie Siroishka
Senior Executive Assistant and Communications Lead, Kenora Chiefs Advisory
807-407-4282
Abbie.siroishka@www.kenorachiefs.org