“The pain isn’t going to go away”

As a 17-year-old, Will Munro can’t wrap his head around it.

Many Canadians, much more mature than him can’t either.

The Kelowna Rockets forward, who is Indigenous, is mystified that officials could forcibly take close to 150,000 native children away from their parents and sent them off to abusive residential schools.

“It is hard for a lot of people. Luckily it didn’t impact any of my family members,” Munro told RocketFAN. “I know a few people that were impacted by the abuse at residential schools, and it is a hard thing to get through.”

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission estimated the number of unmarked graves to be around 3,200.

“Obviously, the pain just isn’t going to go away”, Munro continued. “They need to go through healing, and we need to allow them the time to do that.”

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Western Hockey League is marking the day with each of its players and officials wearing the WHL Truth and Reconciliation logo in the form of a helmet decal to generate awareness of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The logo features the traditional Medicine Wheel, which represents the four directions of North, East, South, and West.

Traditionally, stars act as our guide or a compass to provide direction. The four stars depicted above the WHL logo represents the four divisions – East, Central, B.C. and U.S.

Fans are also encouraged to wear orange from today until October 9th to show their support.

Born in Swan River, Munro suited up for the province of Manitoba in the 2022 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia.

“I was lucky to play with some really good players. Even a couple of guys played in the WHL. It was a great experience for me to be playing against some of the best Indigenous players from across Canada”, Munro added.

More than 1.6 million people in Canada self-identified as an Indigenous person, with Munro among them.

“It is something I can say that separates me from a lot of people. I am proud of my heritage. Manitoba has a huge Indigenous community, and we are a proud people.”

Munro told RocketFan he is an extrovert. He isn’t afraid to share his excitement about making the Kelowna Rockets roster this season while  enjoying what the Okanagan has to offer.

“It is a beautiful place. My billets did an amazing job of welcoming me. They are parent figures to me, and they made it as comfortable as possible”, Munro said. “Kelowna is a beautiful place with a great fan base. It is definitely a lot different here with 4,000 people cheering compared to 10 in the rinks I’ve played in.”

Being a rookie in the WHL means he will have to earn his ice time. Often one of the better players on his team growing up, now he must slowly earn the trust of the coaching staff.

“I played a few games with the junior team back home, so I have an idea what it is all about. Kris Mallette is a great coach and I understand what he is trying to do here. I know everything is a process and everything is earned.”

Munro has the right attitude. Polite and respectful to the training staff, who speak glowingly about him, it is clear that the well spoken rookie is from ‘Friendly Manitoba.’

“I just need to work hard in practice and at some point, I will be an every day guy”.