On Thursday, Pacific FC unveiled its alternate jersey, the Resilience Kit, ahead the 2024 Canadian Premier League season. Designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr., the Resilience Kit features the salmon, a symbol of the resilience and perseverance required on the continued journey toward truth and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. “The salmon represents resilience and that reminds me of Indigenous people surviving oppression in Canada,” said Johnny. “This jersey will create awareness and raise questions among Canadians about how we can make a positive change in the future and inspire our youth.”
For each jersey sold, Pacific and Johnny, whose traditional name is Thii Hayqwtun, will donate $20 CAD to Indigenous-based organizations such as Hope and Health and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. "The jersey proceeds will assist Hope and Health in being responsive to emerging critical needs identified across Vancouver Island-based Indigenous communities,” said Deana Gill-Georgica, CEO, Hope and Health. Pacific became the first organization in professional sport history in Canada to compete in an Indigenous-designed jersey in 2022, when Johnny created the club’s alternate kit design that season. Johnny’s new kit design for 2024 features salmons in both of Pacific’s colours, purple and teal, on a white background. Johnny draws parallels between the thousands of kilometres salmons swim, avoiding predators such as whales, seals, and fishermen or women, and the long road still ahead for the healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
“Our mandate as a club is to empower young people to create their own thriving futures,” said Paul Beirne, Managing Director, Pacific FC. “This jersey represents our commitment to using our platform to work towards a better future for Indigenous youth in our community.” The jersey retails for $124.99 CAD and comes in sizes youth to 4XL. Pacific previously unveiled its primary kit, the Trident Kit, which celebrates the communities that make Vancouver Island special, last month. Both kits were produced in collaboration with Macron, the official kit provider for the CPL. The Tridents will take to the field in their TELUS-branded jerseys beginning with their season and home opener at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. on Saturday, April 13 against coastal rival Halifax Wanderers FC.
Continue reading...