In an inspiring initiative that blends sports with social consciousness, Sports Excellence has introduced the Every Child Matters hockey stick. This limited-edition stick was launched last year to support Indigenous communities and honor the survivors of Canada's residential schools. As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, it's a fitting time to highlight this unique and meaningful piece of equipment that stands as more than just a hockey stick—it’s a symbol of education, awareness, and healing.
A Stick Designed to Tell a Story
The ECM hockey stick is the brainchild of Clay DeBray, a passionate advocate for Indigenous education and awareness. While sitting at his desk, DeBray was struck by the idea to create something that could extend the impact of the Every Child Matters movement beyond just one day. Inspired by the thousands of orange t-shirts worn on September 30th, he thought, “What if there was something people could use every day—something that could spark conversations and educate others?” That’s when the concept of the ECM hockey stick was born.
This commemorative stick is adorned with symbols that represent the pain, struggles, and hopes of residential school survivors. Every detail on the stick carries profound meaning, making it not just a functional piece of hockey equipment, but a tool for education and healing.
Meaningful Symbols on the ECM Stick
The ECM stick is black with a holographic orange design, representing hope breaking through the darkness of the residential school era. This powerful imagery is just the beginning of the story the stick tells. Here are some key symbols incorporated into the design:
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Teardrop: Many children in residential schools were not allowed to cry, punished if they were caught showing emotions. The teardrop on the stick signifies the deep emotional impact of the schools, honoring those who suffered in silence.
- Four Hands: The four hands on the stick are in different skin tones, symbolizing unity among all races. The number four also holds special significance in Indigenous culture, representing the four directions, four seasons, and four stages of life. It serves as a reminder that everyone can come together to raise awareness about residential school survivors.
- Métis Sash: The sash is included to recognize the Métis people who were often overlooked in discussions about residential schools. The inclusion of this symbol ensures their stories and contributions are not forgotten.
- Teddy Bear: Many children were torn from their families and not allowed to bring personal items like teddy bears for comfort. This symbol on the stick represents the lost sense of security and comfort that many Indigenous children experienced during their time in these institutions.
- Turtle with a Medicine Wheel: The turtle represents Turtle Island, a term used by many Indigenous peoples to refer to North America. The medicine wheel on the turtle’s back signifies health, balance, and harmony among all races and societies.
- Eagle Feather: The largest symbol on the stick is an eagle feather, which represents leadership and a connection to the Creator in Indigenous culture. When the stick is raised in celebration after a goal, the feather is closest to the sky, symbolizing the triumphs of Indigenous peoples in the face of hardship.
A Stick for Everyone
One of the most significant aspects of the Every Child Matters stick is its usability. Weighing around 400 grams and featuring a low kickpoint for quick release shots, this stick is designed for performance as much as it is for symbolism. Available in Senior, Intermediate, and Junior sizes, it’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.
As DeBray emphasized, this isn’t just a collectible—it’s a playable stick. It’s meant to be taken to the ice or the streets, serving as a tool for sparking conversations. Whether it’s during a game or practice, players using this stick have the opportunity to share its story and spread awareness about the ongoing healing process of Indigenous communities.
Supporting a Greater Cause
Purchasing this stick isn’t just an investment in hockey gear—it’s a way to contribute to a meaningful cause. Sports Excellence has pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from each stick to several key organizations supporting Indigenous communities:
- Orange Shirt Society: A non-profit organization raising awareness about the impacts of the residential school system.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: A hub for preserving the memory of residential school survivors and promoting reconciliation in Canada.
- The United Way: A charity supporting various community programs, including those that benefit Indigenous peoples.
With every stick sold, $20 will be donated from the sale of Senior and Intermediate sticks, while $15 will be donated from Junior sticks. These funds will directly support programs aimed at healing and educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
A Time for Reflection and Action
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, the Every Child Matters hockey stick serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past, educating future generations, and supporting Indigenous communities in their healing journeys. Whether you’re a player, a parent, or simply someone who believes in the power of awareness, this stick offers an opportunity to contribute to positive change.
By purchasing an ECM hockey stick, you’re not only getting a high-quality, fully playable stick—you’re making a statement. You’re helping to ensure that the stories of residential school survivors are heard and that their legacy continues to inspire hope, education, and healing for years to come.
Let’s play hockey, honor survivors, and make a difference together.
