Canadian Premier League side Pacific FC has teamed up with a local Indigenous artist to produce a striking black-and-white alternate kit for the 2022 season.
The club unveiled the kit on social media during their 2022 CanPL season opener against Forge FC on Sunday, April 10. The bold black-and-white print was created by Coast Salish artist Maynard Thii Hayqwtun Johnny Jr. and depicts salmon and children’s faces throughout.
The logos of manufacturer Macron appear on the chest and sleeves in teal, as does the logo of sponsor Volkswagen on the chest. The polo collar and sleeve cuffs are both white with thin stripes of PFC’s usual teal and purple running through the middle.
“The salmon represents rejuvenation and resilience of the Indigenous people. The child’s face is featured within the centre of the design and symbolizes the future of a more positive life ahead.”
— @PacificFCCPL on Twitter
The designed covers the front and sleeves of the jersey. The back is solid white, with part of the design near the hem, and black numbers in the CanPL’s new font.
The club said on Twitter that this was the “first Indigenous-designed jersey in professional sports history in Canada.” They also said they hope the jersey will create more awareness around Indigenous issues across the country and serve as “a reminder that more is still needed to be done for real truth and reconcilitation.”
Pacific FC has made a $5,000 donation to the artist’s charity, Hope and Health, which helps Indigenous youth get involved in sports. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of the alternate jerseys will go toward both Hope and Health and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
The first batch of shirts sold out almost immediately on Pacific FC’s online shop Sunday. Fans can place pre-orders for the next batch online; they’re expected to ship in late April or early May.
Feature photo courtesy Canadian Premier League
