Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, August 23, 2021 – Table Tennis North, in partnership with Table Tennis Canada, recently hosted an interactive workshop raising awareness about National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the new statutory holiday commemorating the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada.
“The purpose behind it was very simple; we want to create a message from the Territorial and National Sport Organizations to highlight the importance of those days with the voice of the athletes,” said Thorsten Ghol, Executive Director for Table Tennis North. “It is essential that we support our athletes and their growth in the sport of table tennis, and reduce barriers to sports participation.”
Special guest Greg Henhawk, Mohawk of the Bear Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation in Southern Ontario, interacted with participants about land acknowledgement, sharing circles, treaties, and modern Indigenous peoples vocabulary. A second learning session is scheduled at the end of September to celebrate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and commemorate the legacy of residential schools across the country.
Table Tennis North is a not-for profit organization that supports, promotes and develops an active, healthy and fun environment with the sport of Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories.