On Saturday, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies wore orange at the Dakota Classic in Saskatoon in tribute to Monday’s Orange Shirt Day. The race took place on Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and with three First Nations siblings–the Cross Childs–on the team, the acknowledgement of Indigenous communities and show of appreciation for the sacred land was highly meaningful.
Each year on Sept. 30, we honour and acknowledge Indigenous communities by wearing orange shirts. Orange Shirt Day, or the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a day of memorial in Canada to recognize and remember the multi-generational effects of the Canadian Indian residential school system.
Three siblings, one team
It’s rare enough to see two siblings on the same collegiate team, let alone three. Nineteen-year-old Jayvin Cross Child and his brother, Kinley Cross Child, 20, are in their second and third years of their undergraduate degrees at the University of Saskatchewan, respectively. The pair followed their sister, 22-year-old Jaira Cross Child, who is in her final year of U Sports eligibility, to the school. Jaira is in her first year completing a Masters of Physical Therapy, while Kinley studies environment and society and Jayvin majors in computer science. This is the trio’s second year competing together for the Huskies.
“It is a huge honour to represent my First Nation community while competing with my university,” Jaira says. “Growing up, I was inspired by other Indigenous athletes competing at this level. Now that I am in their place, it’s an extremely special feeling to be one of them.” The siblings are members of the Kainai Blackfoot First Nation, and run in honour of their family members who attended the residential school system–adding a meaningful legacy to their achievements.
Their parents, both active runners, have unquestionably been powerful role models for the siblings throughout their running journeys. In 1998, their father, Tarrant Cross Child, won the Saskatchewan Marathon. The family has built a strong bond through their love for the sport of running, training and racing.
“Sport at this level is very empowering because it has provided me the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree, and now a Master’s degree,” Jaira says. “My hope for the future is to have more Indigenous athletes at this level, because sport provides so many opportunities.” Jaira is a five-time gold medallist at the North American Indigenous Games and has been competing on the U Sports stage since 2019.
Remembering Joanne Cross Child
Along with a number of the Cross Child siblings’ relatives, their late grandmother, Joanne Cross Child, was a survivor of the residential school system.
“I was too young while she was alive to listen to her stories, but I know that she would have had to endure so much at this school,” Jaira says. “Her strength and resilience really showed through her love and kindness toward her family. She always put others first and cared so much for her children and grandchildren.”
The family shared an image of Joanne in Grade 2, attending a residential school. Although Joanne was one of the fortunate children who returned home, her experiences will forever have a painful impact on the Cross Child family and their First Nations community.
“My grandmother has inspired me to live my life with strength and resilience,” Jaira says. “I run for my grandmother and my relatives who attended the residential schools. I know that they are with me and I know that when I show strength and resilience they would be proud of me. Whenever I face an obstacle or have a tough day, they inspire me to keep going.”
On this day, we encourage you to wear your orange shirt to celebrate Indigenous resilience and unity through sport. Join us in honouring our Indigenous community members and acknowledging the historic wrongs that continue to impact the present.
