BC History: The first First Nations player to play in a BC Provincial Championship
Born and raised in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Harry Manson was a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and his indigenous name, Xul-Si-Malt, means "one who leaves his mark." A rather fitting name as he would go on to become the first First Nation's person to play in a Provincial Championship in 1898 and open the door for other indigenous soccer players.
Two years later, Manson formed the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, an all-indigenous team which was the first First Nations team to compete in a BC championship, just six years after the inception of the competition.
In 1903, Nanaimo’s clubs formed an All-star team to compete in the BC Senior Championship. Manson was one of three indigenous players on the Nanaimo AFC All-Star team, and became the first First Nations players to win a BC Senior Championship.
Despite intense racial discrimination and abuse, local media would recognize Manson as one of the best players Nanaimo has ever produced.
In a life cut short due to a train accident, Manson captained the Indian Wanderers five times, and was recognized by the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame, the BC Soccer Hall of Fame, the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and Canada Soccer's Hall of Fame.
Interesting in learning more? You can find archive photos, historical documents and many other BC soccer histories and stories at the BC Soccer Hall of Fame and Heritage Archive.
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