By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
Heritage Division Manager Connie McCloud was recognized for her artistic ability at the Seattle Sounders FC match at Lumen Field in Seattle on March 8.
McCloud collaborated with Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot) and Danielle Morsette (Suquamish) over the past two years to create the latest Seattle Sounders FC kit.
The kit includes a basket weaving design and features a blend of symmetrical shapes and diagonal lines found in Coast Salish weaving.
While the Sounders have worn the new kit on the road, this was the first time it was worn in Seattle in front of the hometown fans.
McCloud was invited into the Sounders locker room before the game, where she delivered a kit blessing in front of the players. She also had the opportunity to meet Seattle Sounders FC coach Brad Schmetzer face-to-face, as well. Schmetzer was excited about the look of his team’s newest jerseys and what they mean to the region.
“They’re very attractive, nice uniforms, but, deeper, they have a little more power in making the guys understand exactly what Seattle and the Puget Sound is about. I think the history of this region certainly shows through in those jerseys,” Schmetzer said. “We’re hoping the team understands all of that and we’re also hoping we have good fortune and good luck in those jerseys.”
Before entering the locker room, the Sounders presented McCloud with a jersey of her own with her last name embroidered across the upper back. She proudly wore the jersey throughout the entire afternoon. Across the back of the neck of the jerseys is a series of symbols consisting of a wave of water, tail of an orca and a flowing “S” that represents both the Seattle Sounders and the Salish Sea.
“I couldn’t imagine something like this. It is like a fantasy,” McCloud said of wearing a Sounders jersey with her last name prominently displayed on the back. “It’s surreal. This has been a whole different experience.”
McCloud credited the Seattle Sounders entire organization for embracing the Puyallup Tribe wholeheartedly.
“From the time we met them almost two years ago, everybody has been very willing to learn about our culture and to make sure that we were included. They’re very observant of things we have done,” McCloud said.
Kelsey Chan, who works in the marketing department for the Sounders, was emotionally touched when she saw McCloud donning a jersey she helped design.
“I was speechless. Seeing it on her was just an in-awe moment,” Chan said. “The jerseys turned out amazing. They are stunning and they are beautiful.”
Before kickoff, a “Meet the Weavers” meet and greet occurred, giving fans an opportunity to meet McCloud and White Eagle. They met with a multitude of fans while posing for pictures and signing autographs.
Former Sounders player and current club ambassador Brad Evans posed for a picture with McCloud and White Eagle during the “Meet the Weavers” session.
“I know how much this jersey means to the Tribes and the people that attend our games,” Evans said. “There is nothing better than to honor those that were here before us.”
Evans’s respect and admiration for Indigenous culture is something he cherishes.
“I was out doing a tree planting and some restoration today in West Seattle and just the sentiment echoed beforehand (when) we gave our land acknowledgement,” Evans said. “It sends chills because it reminds us of what was here before us. To pay homage to that is not only important, it’s vital.”
About 15 minutes before the game officially kicked off, McCloud and White Eagle made their way to the field, where they delivered a pitch blessing in front of the entire stadium. While addressing the thousands of fans in attendance was significant, McCloud’s mind was centered on those who came before her as she made her way through the tunnel off the playing field.
“The address to the crowd is to the ancestors. Without them, we wouldn’t be here,” McCloud said. “It gives us an opportunity to be present and let people know that we’ve been here and that we are here. They are on Indian land.”
