Meet the first aboriginal soccer player inducted into Hall of Fame
Harry Xulsimalt Manson was a pioneering soccer star more than a hundred years ago. He was also a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Last year he became the first aboriginal player to be recognized in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Subjected to racism and later obscurity, Harry Manson's story was unearthed and championed by an unlikely researcher.
Robert Janning's interest not only brought Manson's legacy to light - but it spawned a surprising friendship.
CBC's Jean Paetkau spoke with Robert Janning and to Harry Manson's grandson, Gary Manson. Her documentary "Lost and Found" first aired in November of last year.
Thanks to the CBC's Keith Vass who voiced the archival newspaper articles.
Since November of last year, Harry Manson was also inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, on June 17th. And on September 9th, the Vancouver Whitecaps will recognize Harry Manson as an honourary Whitecap. It will present his grandson, Gary Manson, with a Whitecaps FC jersey with his name and number on it.
RELATED LINKS
♦ Aboriginal star hailed as 'pioneer' by Soccer Hall of Fame - CBC News
♦ 'Forgotten' indigenous soccer star inducted into Hall of Fame - Snuneymuxw First Nation
♦ For more top stories visit CBC Aboriginal
And here's to another first ....
Over last weekend, there was another big first -- Ashley Burnham was crowned the winner of the Mrs. Universe competition, in Belarus. The 25-year-old from Alberta's Enoch Cree Nation became the first First Nations woman -- as well as the first Canadian -- to win the pageant.
For today's last word, here's what she had to say about her victory:
