Harry has his day as plaque unveiled
Group photos by Lara Mussell-Savage. Other photos courtesy of Robert Janning.
Snuneymuxw soccer star Harry Manson’s name in the Hul’qumi’num language was Xulsimalt, which means ‘One who leaves his mark.’
And he certainly left his mark in early June when his plaque was unveiled at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Many of his descendants attended a Banquet of Champions in Vancouver and sat in a honourary private suite at a Vancouver Whitecaps soccer match.
It has been more than 100 years since Manson played to soccer fame in Nanaimo. He died in 1912 and paved the way for many other Indigenous soccer players.
One year ago, he was inducted into the Legends category of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary and was named a Pioneer in Canada’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.
Robert Janning
But let’s let Robert Janning – the man who literally wrote the book on Manson – finish the story.
“Wow! What an incredible journey we’ve been on. Many have honoured your ancestor Xulsimalt, and as a consequence thereof he will never again be forgotten.
“Having a First Nations’ man formally inducted and recognized has involved the participation of many Canadians, from many different backgrounds. It is all part of the new relationships that are evolving between First Nations and Canadians.
“This change is necessary, as we all know the old ways have not worked out that well, especially for many of the First Nations people across this country. However, successful integration is a two-way street. It requires both sides to interact, get involved and be willing to work together to create a better world for our children.
“The entire process – finding Xulsimalt’s incredible story, publishing my book, soliciting letters of support, submitting nominations, traveling with the Manson family to Vaughan, Ontario, Calgary, Alberta, Nanaimo and finally a mile down the road from my home to BC Place Stadium and the Vancouver Convention Centre to attend all the tributes and inductions has been nothing short of traveling Miracle Miles.
“Once again, on behalf of the Manson family and myself, thank you very much for all the wonderful support that the Salish Sea Sentinel team has extended to us. We are forever grateful.
“All I ever hoped for is that Xulsimalt’s story provides some good medicine to the First Nations’ youth of today and inspires them to reaching their fullest potential in the future.
“Huych’qa Siem”
