VANCOUVER, BC – During National Indigenous History Month, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are celebrating and supporting local Indigenous communities.
LOGO
The 2024 Whitecaps FC logo for the Indigenous Peoples Celebration was designed by Austin Aan’yas Harry, a digital artist and a dedicated member of the Squamish Nation, with ancestral ties to the Namgis Nation. Austin Aan’yas Harry not only showcases his heritage but also seeks to carve a space for it in the heart of contemporary culture.
The logo symbolizes the duality depicted in the Vancouver Whitecaps FC logo. The dark blue serpent head represents the mountains, while the light blue serpent head signifies the ocean waves. In the legend, the sea serpent's journey begins in the ocean and ascends to the top of Stawamus Chief connecting sea and sky. Supernatural creatures like Sínulkhay and the Thunderbird are depicted with a crest on their head. This crest distinguishes them from their natural counterparts, like the snake and the eagle. In the emblem, the crest extends beyond the white frame enclosing the logo, symbolizing its connection to realms beyond our natural world.
TWO NEW MINI-PITCHES
Last week, Hope and Health, with the support of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, opened a seventh and eighth mini-pitch across the province.
On June 17, the Sts’ailes Strong Mini-Pitch officially opened. A traditional welcome to the territory was led by Grand Chief Willie Charlie and council, as well as an inspiring speech from youth council leader Jeremy Charlie. In addition, Sts’ailes member Terry Felix was honoured as the former Canadian international and forward with Vancouver Whitecaps during the NASL-era had his number 15 highlighted on each of the four archways.
On June 20, the Cowichan Strong Mini-Pitch was opened. A community celebration featured a welcome to the territory from Cowichan Tribes with Chief Cindy Daniels, ribbon cutting and ball drop.
Penelakut Strong was the first mini-pitch opened in September 2021, additional pitches include Snaw-naw-as Strong, Tla’amin Strong, Stz’uminus Strong, Snuneymuxw Strong, Ts’uubaa-asatx Strong, and Malahat Strong, set to open this summer.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CELEBRATION MATCH
On Saturday, the ‘Caps will be hosting the club’s annual Indigenous Peoples Celebration Match at BC Place, presented by BMO. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Land Back Records
This year, Whitecaps FC welcome Land Back Records to the celebration, with performances from their talented recording artists and dancers.
The Warmup Pre-Match on Terry Fox Plaza, starting at 12 p.m. PT.
- Performances starting at 4 p.m. PT
- Showcase performers, emerging talent, and youth – including Pîsim SB, Dem Rosé Boys, Kadence, $ Bake
- Marquee performance from Hayley Wallis
National Anthem
Halftime
- Eli Gosselin-Rattlesnake – World’s Tallest Hoop Dancer
- Medley from Dakota Bear
The mission at Land Back Records is multifaceted: to create visibility and build capacity for Indigenous artists, they provide access to production studios, creative direction, artist services, deliver marketing campaigns, produce Indigenous-focused events and more. Their approach to business incorporates values of reciprocity and revitalization of the Indigenous economy, prioritizing community over profit.
Indigenous Artists Market
For a second consecutive year, Whitecaps FC will host an Indigenous Artists Market at the match. Stay tuned to whitecapsfc.com for more information.
Soccer Jamboree, supported by BMO
Prior to the match, Whitecaps FC will host a pre-match soccer jamboree on the pitch at BC Place. More than 75 Indigenous youth from across the region will take part.
This will be the fourth year for the event, which has been supported by BMO from year one. After working with coaches on the pitch, participants will hear from local leaders and leave with a Whitecaps FC duffle bag with a t-shirt, ball, and water bottle, along with a skills certificate and cones to continue practicing at home. All participants will then enjoy the match!
For more information on all Whitecaps FC Community & Celebration matches, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets/celebration-matches.
TSAKWIAH CUP
Last Friday, Whitecaps FC participated in an event on National Indigenous Peoples Day held by Luke Dandurand, a long-time Whitecaps FC season ticket member. The nə́c̓aʔmat Cup Soccer Tournament was hosted for middle school students in the Langley School District. The winning team won the Tsakwiah Cup – his mother’s memorial cup.
WHITECAPS FC STAFF AND PLAYER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
This month, Whitecaps FC staff and players have had the opportunity to participate in learning opportunities in celebration of National Indigenous History Month. The club offered experiential learning opportunities to staff in the Metro Vancouver area through Hidden Treasures, delivered by Talaysay Tours in Stanley Park.
The players will also be hearing from guest speakers Brad Baker and Jennifer McCrea, providing a learning session on the importance of Indigenous History Month at the National Soccer Development Centre this week.
For the latest news on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.
