By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
The eyes of soccer fans at Lumen Field were centered on Heritage Division Manager Connie McCloud (sɫupayqʷuʔ) and more than 40 Tribal Members just minutes prior to kickoff between the Seattle Sounders FC and the Portland Timbers on Oct. 4 in Seattle.
“It gives our kids an opportunity to do something they wouldn’t always get the opportunity to do. It is a good opportunity for our kids to get involved in the sport (soccer) that is now offered at our school and is offered in our communities,” McCloud said.
Events Director Chester Earl accompanied McCloud to and from the field. He noted the crowd giving McCloud a standing ovation as she exited the field.
“It is always great to see our people come together. We had young babies all the way up to our Elder, Connie, come together. It was an amazing experience,” Earl said.
McCloud said even though she was limited to just one minute for the blessing, that she always includes sɫupayqʷuʔ during her address to the crowd for a reason.
“For myself, it’s the acknowledgement of the Tribe. I do that so the ancestors know who I am and where I am from. I acknowledge the ancestors of this land. The land acknowledgement is important to me,” she said.
