Burnaby’s fourth annual Hope and Health Community Camp on September 19 brought together 250 children and youth for a day of soccer, cultural learning, and meaningful conversations about Truth and Reconciliation.
Hosted in partnership with the Hope and Health Society, the camp is an accessible, age-appropriate opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth to engage in the journey toward reconciliation. Participants learned from coaches, mentors, and traditional knowledge holders through a combination of soccer and cultural programming. The day featured soccer skills development for children and youth of all abilities, alongside arts, crafts, and cultural sharing that encouraged participants to reflect on their role in reconciliation.
Demand for the City of Burnaby Hope and Health Community Camp continues to grow, with all available registration spots filled within 30 minutes of opening this year.
“This incredible response shows that Burnaby residents, especially young people and their families, are eager to engage with Truth and Reconciliation in meaningful ways,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “By bringing sport, culture and education together, the City of Burnaby Hope and Health Community Camp helps turn reconciliation into action.”
The one-day soccer camp reflects Burnaby’s ongoing commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation. By creating unique opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and relationship-building through sport, the City helps foster understanding and strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
All participants received a custom orange soccer jersey and soccer ball. The 2026 commemorative Hope and Health jersey, designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr., symbolizes collective strength, Indigenous aspiration, and reconciliation through soccer on Turtle Island. The soccer ball features Eagle's Embrace, a design by Tsleil-Waututh Nation artist Candace Thomas that reflects strength, connection, community, and cultural pride.
The camp was made possible through the support of community partners, including Hope and Health, EA Sports, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the UBC Thunderbirds, Harvest Meats, First Tee BC, and BC Soccer, as well as the leadership of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Host Nations representatives.
The City of Burnaby Hope and Health Community Camp is part of Burnaby’s month-long National Day for Truth and Reconciliation programming, which offers residents of all ages opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures, reflect on the legacy of residential schools, and support reconciliation.
Hope and Health is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action advancing reconciliation through sport, public education, Indigenous knowledge, cultural protocols, and community capacity-building.
Learn more: Indigenous Peoples & Reconciliation