(contributed by the RBC Cup organizing committee)
The RBC Cup 2018 hosted by the City of Chilliwack is truly a multicultural event. Drawing from the extensive First Nations heritage in the Upper Fraser Valley, the RBC Cup Host Committee is pleased to announce that the Chilliwack Chiefs will play in an official RBC Cup Third Jersey during their final round robin game to be played Thursday, May 17th at 7pm at the Prospera Centre. Following the game, all of the game worn jerseys will be auctioned by the players to fans in attendance. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the RBC Cup Legacy Fund to be created for the community of Chilliwack.
The Third Jersey was designed by local artist Jason Roberts. Mr. Roberts traditional name is “Sxwoxil” and he is from Tzeachten First Nation within the Stó:lō territory. Jason is a self-taught artist from childhood in the west coast salish art style and using such mediums as acrylic, pencil, pen pointillism and computer graphics.
Mr. Roberts states, “The centre crest is a version of a carved mask of a chief designed with our Stó:lō territory style of west coast salish art. When our people wear masks for traditional ceremonies they become the spirit of whatever version mask they wear. An eagle, sawbill, bear or sasquatch for example”. Mr. Roberts’ goal was to portray leadership and strength. He went on to say “In this case I wanted the mask to be represented of a chief. A chief carries many responsibilities and traits. Some important ones would be respect, strength and leadership. So as players use this mask and represent their community they can remember to carry themselves with respect, strength and leadership to name a few”.
Mr. Roberts also designed the shoulder crest for the Third Jersey. The maple leaf shoulder crest was a design he created for Canada 150. Mr. Roberts says of the design “My thought process behind the collaboration between the maple leaf and our aboriginal art was remembrance and reconciliation. To have Canada remember the First Nation people that originated from the land before Canada became Canada 150 years ago. If the design was to be appreciated with this type of remembrance then the path to reconciliation could continue to grow for our future generations”.
Chief David Jimmie, Co-Chair of the RBC Cup Chilliwack Host Committee, Chief of Squiala First Nation, President of the Stó:lō Nation Chiefs Council and the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe is pleased to see the Host Chilliwack Chiefs wearing the special third Jersey. “The third jersey is a wonderful example of what is possible when organizations are open minded and work together. To some, this may seem insignificant but to me, it speaks volumes of the Chilliwack Chiefs organization and their willingness to build stronger relationships in the community. I have a deep appreciation for Jason Roberts spending the time to develop a beautiful design that is meaningful to both our culture, and the Chilliwack Chiefs organization. My hands go up to Coach Jason Tatarnic for providing this wonderful opportunity to showcase a local artist and honor the traditional name Ts’elxwéyeqw which is where the name Chilliwack comes from.”
The Chilliwack Chiefs third jersey is sponsored by Hampton Inn by Hilton. Rick Gabrielsen, Area Vice President / Hotel Operations says Hilton Management Services and Hampton Inn by Hilton are excited to be the lead sponsor on the Chilliwack Chiefs Third Jersey program: “On behalf of our eighty-three hotels and team members within the Hilton Management Services group of Focus Service hotels, we are honoured to support the dreams of young Canadian athletes through our participation in the 2018 RBC Cup National Championship.”
About the RBC Cup:
Since 1971, teams from across Canada have fought for the National Junior ‘A’ Championship. The RBC Cup is an annual tournament between the League Champions of the four regions within the CJHL and the Host Club in a quest to become the National Champion.
The City of Chilliwack will host the 22nd RBC Cup from May 12th to 20th 2018.
Media Contact:
Kevin Gemmell
Communications Chair
604-795-2429 – Ext 102
k.gemmell@telus.net
Social Media:
#RBCCup
#CHWK2018
