Coast Salish artist raises awareness of Canada's history with new pro soccer jersey design

Victoria's professional soccer team is sporting a new kit this week, featuring designs by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. 

Johnny hopes his bold designs, printed in black on a white shirt, will spark conversations among spectators.

"I think one way or another, they're going to get the meaning behind the jersey told to them," he told All Points West host Robyn Burns.

The design features salmon, which Johnny admits isn't the most ferocious creature. However, he says salmon are incredibly resilient, much like Indigenous people. 

"The fact that the Indian Act was created, the fact that the residential school was created, the fact that the potlatch ban happened, the fact that the Sixties Scoop happened," he said. 

"Any other things that may have happened in history to oppress us, to basically kill us off. We're resilient, just like the salmon. We've made it this far."

A child is also pictured, representing the commitment to create a better future for the next generation of Indigenous children. 

"Pacific FC's 2022 Alternate Macron jersey is an incredibly meaningful design this season," the team said in a match report on Monday, the day the jerseys were unveiled. The team said it's honoured to wear the design and says it is a reminder that more still needs to be done for real truth and reconciliation.

2022 Alternate Jersey