After a wildly successful collaboration with Maynard Johnny Jr. for their 2022 alternate kit, Canadian Premier League side Pacific FC is teaming back up with the Coast Salish artist for their new 2024 alternate kit.
The Victoria, B.C.-based club unveiled the kits on their website and social media handles on Thursday, March 21. The kit features different depictions of a salmon, which is “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,” Johnny said in a press release. “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.”
The kit is predominantly white, with two large salmon swooping between the front and the back, one in each of Pacific FC’s primary teal and purple colors. Other smaller salmon appear on the front and back in a tonal pattern.
The salmon pattern continues on the raglan sleeves, but there they’re in full teal and purple colors. The collar and sleeve cuffs are white with thin teal and purple stripes through the middle.
“Our mandate as a club is to empower young people to create their own thriving futures,” said Paul Beirne, Pacific FC’s managing director, in the club’s press release. “This jersey represents our commitment to using our platform to work towards a better future for Indigenous youth in our community.”
For every alternate jersey sold, Pacific FC and Johnny — whose traditional name is Thii Hayqwtun — will donate $20 to Indigenous community organizations on Vancouver Island like Hope and Health and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Pacific FC open their 2024 CanPL season at home against HFX Wanderers FC on Saturday, April 13. They’ll likely debut the new alternate kits in their first away game, which comes on Sunday, April 28 when travel to Calgary to take on Cavalry FC.