This fall, Acadia’s Axewomen Soccer Team took team building off the field and into the workshop, creating a project that reflects their values and commitment to community. 

As part of an activity built around the team’s five pillars—purpose, leadership, wellbeing, belonging, and community—players broke into groups to design chairs that symbolize one of these principles.  

Danielle Cyr (Head Coach, Axewomen Soccer) says the pillars emerged from a reflective exercise they did as a team. They thought through what helps their team be its best and what they love most about Axewomen soccer. The five pillars they landed on, Danielle explains “are rooted in our history and help support our vision for the future of the program.”  

 

Team and community building

A group led by Riley Bonadie (third year, sociology) chose to focus on Truth and Reconciliation as an expression of the community pillar. 

“Community is all about showing up for one another and recognizing that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves,” says Riley. “Truth and reconciliation fits here because it’s about listening, learning, and creating stronger connections with Indigenous communities.” 

The resulting chair is more than a creative project. It is a symbol of reflection, inclusion, and learning. The team is looking forward to the chair finding a meaningful home on the quad outside of the Indigenous Student Lounge in Rhodes Hall, where it can continue to inspire dialogue and connection. 

For the players, the process was both an opportunity to bond as a team and a thought-provoking experience. “It was actually a really fun experience, especially since it was so early in the season,” says Riley. “But at the same time, we were learning together and thinking about something important. It showed us that even simple projects can spark meaningful conversations.” 

Truth and Reconciliation and the five pillars

While Riley’s group initially chose to focus on community, as they worked through the project they found that truth and reconciliation also tie into the other pillars of purpose, belonging, wellbeing, and leadership. 

“Truth and Reconciliation touches on each of the five pillars in some way,” says Danielle. “We need to pursue our purpose in a way that recognizes our important role as treaty people, and we need to be leaders in moving the work of truth and reconciliation forward at Acadia and beyond. Our pillar of wellbeing aligns with truth and reconciliation by fostering holistic health, cultural safety and coaching the person first. Community and belonging reflect our priority to build stronger relationships and partnerships with our neighboring First Nations communities and creating safer, inclusive spaces through our team and programming.” 

At its heart, the project is a reminder of how important it is for athletes to use their platform to make space for important conversations. 

“Our student athletes at Acadia are leading the way on conversations around truth and reconciliation. Projects like this one create dialogue, and create something tangible for understanding and inclusion,” says Zabrina Whitman (Executive Advisor, Office of L’nu Affairs and Indigenization).  

“To have this chair in the quad is adding vibrancy to the space and encouraging individuals to use outdoor spaces for education and learning. There are so many layers to this project that create greater opportunities for education and growth at Acadia University.”  

“At Acadia, community is such a big part of who we are, and it’s one of the reasons a lot of us chose this school,” Riley reflects. “Creating spaces to talk about truth and reconciliation helps us strengthen that sense of community. It reminds us that Acadia isn’t just about classes or sports. It’s about learning from each other and building a campus where people feel like they belong.” 

We invite the campus community to come visit the Truth & Reconciliation Chair and to reflect on the power of conversation, creativity, and connection.