Ahead of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, VFC hosted its first annual Indigenous cultures match, and in doing so officially introducing Sp鈥櫭硄鈥檈s (sp-aa-KUS), the club鈥檚 eagle mascot.

Vancouver FC acknowledged they work and play on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, as they continue to learn from, and foster special relationships, with the the q虛史蓱:n虛茮虛蓹n虛 (Kwantlen), q虛ic虛蓹y虛 (Katzie), M谩thxwi (Matsqui), and se鈥檓ya鈥檓e (Semiahmoo) First Nations.

The club has engaged with local Indigenous First Nations since its inception, including seeking guidance when selecting a team mascot.

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The Eagle Spirit is a sacred messenger for Indigenous peoples, including the Kwantlen First Nations, with the ability to fly closest to the creator.

While the eagle mascot was first unveiled at VFC鈥檚 home opener in May, it was bestowed the name Sp鈥櫭硄鈥檈s in a traditional naming ceremony on Sept. 14, by Kevin Kelly and Michael Kelly-Gabriel, husband and son (respectively) of Kwantlen First Nation hereditary chief, Marilyn Gabriel.

Sp鈥櫭硄鈥檈s means 鈥渆agle鈥� in Halq鈥檈m茅ylem, the language spoken by the people of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Tsawwassen, Kwikwetlem, and Musqueam First Nations.

The ceremony was held at Kwantlen Plaza at the entrance of VFC鈥檚 stadium, Willoughby Park, in front of Vancouver players and staff.

鈥淲e want people to be curious and ask about Sp鈥櫭硄鈥檈s鈥� name, we need to help share Indigenous culture and history, we want to spark conversation,鈥� said Stephanie Wood, VFC鈥檚 vice-president of marketing and business development.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important for us to use our platform for real reconcili-ACTION and that must be achieved through collaboration with Indigenous peoples.鈥�

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Vancouver will also recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, Sept. 30 during its match at Pacific FC. The two clubs, along with the rest of the Canadian Premier League, will mark the occasion by wearing orange shirts during warm-ups and walk outs, in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.

鈥淚t is important to everyone at VFC to pay respect to the Indigenous peoples around our home and across the nation,鈥� said Rob Friend, president of Vancouver FC.

鈥淭his weekend will be an exciting celebration of Indigenous culture and next weekend we will reflect and continue to be humble listeners with the aim of working together towards reconciliation.鈥�

Tomorrow! We鈥檙e back at it.

鈿斤笍 vs
馃彑锔� Willoughby Community Park
鈴� Kickoff: 1PM PDT
馃殫 FREE parking for first 2500 cars!

馃师锔�: |

鈥� Vancouver Football Club (@vanfootballclub)