Sports stats



CPL Vancouver FC

Vancouver FC Announce Mascot's Name Ahead of First Annual Indigenous Cultures Match

September 21, 2023 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release


Langley, BC - Vancouver Football Club is proud to officially introduce Sp'óq'es (sp-aa-KUS), the Club's eagle mascot, ahead of its first annual Indigenous Cultures match on Saturday, Sept. 23 against Halifax Wanderers FC.

Vancouver FC acknowledges that we work and play on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples as we continue to learn from, and foster special relationships, with the the qÌ"Ê·É‘:nÌ"Æ›Ì"É™nÌ" (Kwantlen), qÌ"icÌ"É™yÌ" (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and se'mya'me (Semiahmoo) First Nations.

The club has engaged with local Indigenous First Nations since its inception, including seeking guidance when selecting a team mascot. 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's home opener in May, it was bestowed the name Sp'óq'es in a traditional naming ceremony on Sept. 14, 2023 by Kevin Kelly and Michael Kelly Gabriel, husband and son (respectively) of Kwantlen First Nation Hereditary Chief, Marilyn Gabriel. Sp'óq'es means "eagle" in Halq'eméylem, 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's stadium, Willoughby Park, in front of Vancouver players and staff.

"We want people to be curious and ask about Sp'óq'es' name, we need to help share Indigenous culture and history, we want to spark conversation," said Stephanie Wood, VP of Marketing and Business Development. "It's important for us to use our platform for real reconcili-ACTION and that must be achieved through collaboration with Indigenous peoples."

Saturday's Indigenous Cultures match will aim to amplify the rich histories, traditions, and teachings of Indigenous peoples and to provide a welcoming space for education and learning.

Local Indigenous vendors will be stationed around the stadium for fans to both browse and learn more about local Indigenous history. The match will open with a land blessing from the Kwantlen First Nations, the second of the season, which will be performed by Kevin Kelly and Michael Kelly-Gabriel. Kevin will also be the honourary captain of the match and participate in the pregame coin toss.

"This match is integral to the values of this Club as we are invested in helping to lift the community around us and leave it in a better place than we found it," said Wood. "Knowing that we have taken residence on the unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples, it is our responsibility to use the space in recognition and celebration of our neighbours."

Vancouver will then 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.

"It is important to everyone at VFC to pay respect to the Indigenous peoples around our home and across the nation," said Rob Friend, President, Vancouver FC. "This 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."

VFC fans are invited to join in the celebrations of Indigenous Culture on Saturday, September 23rd. The matinee match will begin at 1 p.m. PDT with gates opening at 12 p.m. PDT. Tickets for the match can be purchased online here or in person on game day.

Check out the Vancouver FC Statistics



Canadian Premier League Stories from September 21, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central