Indigenous cultures blend as Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations welcome New Zealand rugby stars | Spare News
It was a warm welcome for the New Zealand Rugby Sevens teams on Tuesday as both the All Blacks and Black Ferns were greeted with joyful song, dance and a cultural performance from two local nations.
As the host nation of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation had invited participating teams to come together for a few days of cultural exchange, with the New Zealand All Blacks visiting the nation at their North Vancouver community center on Tuesday.
Everyone greeted one another with traditional song and dance before young members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation were invited to take to the floor and toss a ball with the prominent players.
One of the most iconic teams in international rugby, the All Blacks represent the culture of New Zealand and its indigenous Māori on the sports stage. Teams are known worldwide for their legendary haka tradition, a war cry and ceremonial performance that precedes each game.
In a statement, the Tsleil-Waututh nation said it hoped the inclusion of a sports team of such high caliber would serve as an inspiration to its members.
“Tsleil-Waututh not only shares her homeland, stories and culture with these international guests, but is also proud to host this renowned team to inspire our employees with their dedication and sportsmanship,” it said.
Tsleil Waututh boss Jen Thomas said she was “exceedingly excited” for the cultural exchange.
“I know this will be a memorable visit for Tsleil-Waututh and the New Zealand All Blacks for years to come,” she said.
On Tuesday, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) also welcomed the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby team and five-time women’s rugby world champions.
Originally planned to be held outdoors on the field, a full-on ceremony was held instead at the Capilano Rugby Club clubhouse in West Vancouver’s Klahanie Park, after the previous day’s extreme weather filled the field with snow.
The two cultures came together over ceremonial song, dance and food as they all feasted on a massive salmon luncheon before the New Zealand players were wrapped in vibrant traditional Coastal Salish blankets.
The Canada Sevens tournament marks the eighth time the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has visited Vancouver, but only the first time both men’s and women’s tournaments have been played simultaneously, with two separate cups up for grabs.
The teams will compete March 3-5 at BC Place.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the Indigenous and Civic Affairs reporter for North Shore News. This reporting cycle is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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