A Voyageurs book launch.

[Robert]

I received my limited edition hardcover books yesterday. Anyone interested can check out the following: www.ballboypress.ca

[Robert]

In light of the concerns that have been expressed regarding the shipping costs, unfortunately these are the parcel rate that the post office charges for a book of this size and weight, I have decided to offer free delivery in Vancouver. Also, I will be in Nanaimo on Thursday, February 2nd, in Victoria the first week in April, and in Toronto on June 12th for anyone interested in obtaining a copy. Further inquiries can be made at soccerbook@hotmail.com

[Blue and White Army]

I had a look at this book while at BC Place on Friday, and highly recommend it. We need to celebrate our country's footballing history.

[Robert]

A review of Westcoast Reign can be viewed online in Vol. 26, No. 1 issue of BC BOOKWORLD at http://www.abcbookworld.com/newspaper_files/newspaper_2012_1.pdf The review appears on page 20.

There will also be a book launch on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Level 3 Meeting Room of the Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street. http://www.vpl.ca/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar.cgi
I look forward to meeting you there. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase, with no HST or delivery charges.

[Robert]

A review of Westcoast Reign can be viewed online in Vol. 26, No. 1 issue of BC BOOKWORLD at http://www.abcbookworld.com/newspape...per_2012_1.pdf The review appears on page 20.

There will also be a book launch on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Level 3 Meeting Room of the Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street. http://www.vpl.ca/cgi-bin/Calendar/calendar.cgi
I look forward to meeting you there. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase, with no HST or delivery charges.

[Blue and White Army]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/6922708846_da6c665108.jpg

Photos from Westcoast Reign book launch event (http://www.flickr.com/photos/drowcliffe/sets/72157629431171408/)

[Robert]

I attended 4 BC Provincial Cup matches this past weekend. One at Ambleside Turf, in West Vancouver, and three at Gates Turf in Port Coquitlam. A couple of the matches were exciting right until the end and the overall quality of play was entertaining enough to ensure that I stayed for over six hours on Saturday. This coming Saturday I will be attending the Nanaimo FC vs. Port Moody Gunners match at the Port Moody Town Centre Turf, and on Sunday I will be at the Westside FC vs. Peach Arch Dragons match at Trillium Turf, in Vancouver. Copies of my book will be available at both matches.

[Robert]

Vancouver Metro book review

http://metronews.ca/sports/112618/new-book-chronicles-early-history-of-soccer-in-bc/

[Soju]

It's certainly getting some nice reviews Robert. Well done.

[Robert]

It's certainly getting some nice reviews Robert. Well done.

Thanks Soju.

[Robert]

FYI - The Vancouver Island Regional Library will host an Author Reading, featuring yours truly, at 6 p.m., on May 17th, at the Harbourfront Library, which is located at Diana Krall Plaza, 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo.

[Robert]

The details for my Nanaimo launch.

http://virl.bc.ca/event/reading-westcoast-reign-bc-soccer-championships-1892-1905-author-robert-janning

[Robert]

Book review in today's NANAIMO NEWS BULLETIN

http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports/150857355.html

[Robert]

Hi Robert,Sorry to take so long to get back to you, but things can get hectic around here.Back on June 2/3 I spent some time with Les Jones and was finally able to get hold of your book.Nice job. I really liked it. It fills in a big gap in the history of soccer in Canada. Some thing that needed researching and compiling for many years. So you have made a major contribution to our knowledge of the past.I can't say I have read it all, but the Statistical Review at the end of each season, tells the story and makes it easy to refer to, and then I was able to go back and learn more.I will recommend it to anyone else I know that is interested.Now I hope that you will tackle the years following 1904-05, where I have a lot of loose ends, and lead up to the start of the 1920s. My book on the history of the game coast to coast has yet to be published. The CSA has had it since early February, and the last I heard was that they were waiting for the French translation to be completed. Best wishes and congratulations on a job well done.Colin Jose.

[Robert]

I have secured three additional dates for book presentations.

WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 2013, 7-8:30 pm
WHERE: Lynn Valley Main Library Community Room, Lynn Valley Village 1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

http://www.nvdpl.ca/adults/events/lynn/bc%E2%80%99s-soccer-heritage

WHEN: Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 7-9 pm
WHERE: New Westminster Public Library Auditorium, 716 – 6th Avenue, New Westminster

http://www.nwpl.ca/events_programmes/index/events7823/2013-02.php

WHEN: Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 7:30-9:00 pm
WHERE: West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/event/calendar.php?month=MAR

[Robert]

Received a very nice plug from InsideSOCCER today

http://insidesoccermagazine.com/all-about-soccer/books/westcoast-reign-by-robert-janning/

Thank you very much Alfons for giving my book some much-appreciated exposure in your well-respected magazine. Here's to the next 100 issues of ISM.

Robert

[Robert]

New Westminster Public Library presents:

Our Sports Heritage
with author Robert Janning

Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 7:00 pm

716 – 6th Avenue, New Westminster

Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, call 604-527-4667.

Author Robert Janning will read and discuss his book, WESTCOAST REIGN, a historical account of the early days of soccer in British Columbia, spanning the period from 1888 to 1905.

All of those attending the New Westminster Public Library reading may purchase a copy of WESTCOAST REIGN at a 30% discount.

[Robert]

I have decided to see how I measure up against other historical writers in British Columbia and entered my book for the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Historical Writing. This is the 30th annual competition, and thus far no book on sports has ever won. Last year, only one of the 46 entries was a sports book, and by chance, it also happened to be on soccer. Unfortunately, it was not selected as one of the three prize winners, nor did it receive honourable mention.

http://bchistory.ca/awards/book/Entries2011.pdf

Maybe 2012 will turn out to be the year that recognizes the importance and valuable contributions that sports have made on the lives of British Columbians.

The results for the 2012 Lieutenant-Governor’s competition will be announced at the BC Historical Federation Annual Conference, on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

[Robert]

The following is an off-shoot project resulting from the Harry Manson story that appears in my book. The following letter has been sent to 7 federal, provincial and civic leaders:

Dear Madam/Sir,


My name is Robert Janning and I live in the Downtown-Eastside of Vancouver. I write to you regarding Harry (Xul-si-malt) Manson, an outstanding First Nations athlete who I believe deserves formal recognition. I hope that you will consider providing supporting letters for his nomination to several sports halls of fame.


I became aware of Harry Manson several years ago when, as a part of my recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, I began to write a book on the history of British Columbia as seen through the lens of soccer. It was during the research for this project that I discovered Harry Manson’s story.


From 1897 to 1904, Harry Manson successfully captained his team, the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, to victories that included winning the Nanaimo City Championship in 1904. In 1903, he was also one of three Wanderers selected to play on a Nanaimo all-star team that won the B.C. provincial championship. Together with his teammates Louis Martin and Joe Peters, Harry Manson thus became one of the first three indigenous players to win a provincial championship. Detailed information about Harry Manson and his sporting achievements accompany this letter.


Harry Manson and the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers played during a time when it was socially acceptable and commonplace to publicly disrespect and mistreat First Nations people. The enclosed contemporary newspaper account of a soccer match in Nanaimo in 1907 demonstrates the attitudes of the time. It was in this prevailing climate of racial intolerance that Harry Manson and his Snu-ney-muxw mates laced up their boots and took to the pitch. Their fortitude and courage in doing so is a reflection of their passion for the game.


Several years ago, I was able to contact Emmy Manson, the great-granddaughter of Harry Manson. As a result, I was invited to visit the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation reserve, where I met with a number of Harry Manson’s descendants and was shown the house where Harry lived and where he was buried. While gathered on Harry's grandson Gary's sundeck, overlooking the ocean at the mouth of the Nanaimo River, we exchanged stories and pictures of Harry. It was a pleasant and convivial occasion, but I was saddened when they shared an a copy of the Coroner's Inquiry report on the fatal accident that took Harry Manson's life in 1912. The report, housed at the B.C. Archives in Victoria, refers to this gifted athlete as "it" and "a drunken Indian," despite contrary evidence from a contemporary newspaper account (enclosed) and the family's account of Harry Manson as a loving and caring husband and father who died while on the way to Nanaimo to obtain medicine for his sick infant child.


As a talented athlete who became a British Columbia and Nanaimo soccer champion and also played first-base for the local Reliance Baseball Club, Harry Manson deserves to be remembered in a more respectful way than the words “it” and “drunken Indian” in a government report. I believe that his contributions as a person, a representative of the aboriginal community, and a Canadian sporting pioneer warrant official recognition. Accordingly, I would like to see Harry Manson inducted into one or more soccer or sports halls of fame. This would not only be a suitable tribute to the memory of Harry Manson, but would also serve as a source of inspiration for the aboriginal community and all British Columbians. Acknowledging the legacy of Harry Manson would also be an appropriate reflection of Canadian values of inclusivity and diversity.


I recently received the Manson family’s blessing to nominate Harry Manson for induction into the following four institutions:


Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame (Nanaimo, B.C.)

British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame (Vancouver, B.C.)

Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum (Vaughan, Ontario)

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (Calgary, Alberta)


In each case, if the nomination is successful, Harry Manson will become the first aboriginal athlete inducted into each of these institutions.


I would therefore like to respectfully request that you provide four letters, one to each of the halls listed above, in support of the nomination of Harry Manson. These letters can be mailed to me at the address below, or alternatively, sent as email attachments. Each letter will appear at the front of an individually printed and bound presentation to be submitted to each of the nominating committees.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Robert Janning

[Blue and White Army]

Good on you, Robert.

[madmonte]

Nice contribution Robert, I'm sure you are making their community very happy

[Robert]

A brief update.

My book finished out of the top 6 books in the 2012 British Columbia Historical Writing contest. A complete list of entries can be viewed at:

http://bchistory.ca/awards/book/Entries2012.pdf

I received at nice letter from Premier Christy Clark in the mail, with regards to Harry Manson.

I have also received an invitation to meet with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson on May 2nd. Who knows where that may lead to?

There are two requests that have been acknowleged. These are currently works in progress.

I just returned from Nanaimo, where I had a meeting with two members of the Manson family.

It has been an very interesting experience thus far.

[Lord Bob]

Congratulations. Don't let Christy sign your book.

[El Hombre]

I just returned from Nanaimo, where I had a meeting with two members of the Manson family.
This, taken out of context of course, made me smile.

Congratulations Robert. It's good to see your work being recognized.

[Robert]

I had a 45-minute meeting with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson today. He was very interested in Harry Manson's story and said that he would write a letter in support of his induction into the various soccer and sports halls of fame.

I have also exchanged several emails with Mr. Roger Barnes, the president of the British Columbia Soccer Association. He has also expressed an interest in support of formally recognizing Harry Manson, but thought it would be appropriate to first consult with elders of the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation to see if the proposal meets with their approval. Subsequently, I have sent the following correspondence to the Snu-ney-muxw Chief and Council:

April 25, 2013
Vancouver, B.C.

Honourable Chief and Councillors,

My name is Robert Janning and I live in the Downtown-Eastside of Vancouver. I write to you regarding Harry Xul-si-malt Manson, an outstanding Snu-ney-muxw First Nation athlete who I believe deserves formal recognition. I presented this idea to Mr. Roger Barnes, the president of the British Columbia Soccer Association, and it was mutually agreed that it would be appropriate to first consult with you and the elders of the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation to see if this proposal meets with your approval. I hope that you will consider providing a letter of support for his nomination to several sports halls of fame.

I became aware of Harry Manson several years ago when, as a part of my recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, I began to write a book on the history of British Columbia, as seen through the lens of soccer. It was during the research for this project that I discovered Harry Manson’s story.

There were numerous highlights from 1897 to 1904 that made Harry Manson’s career truly unique, as he was the only player during that time to compete for all three of Nanaimo’s preeminent soccer teams:

Throughout this period, Harry Manson captained a team comprised exclusively of players from the Nanaimo Indian Reserve. On April 2, 1898, two Snu-ney-muxw players, Harry Manson and James Wilks, became the first aboriginal players to compete in a British Columbia championship match, when they were recruited into the Nanaimo Thistles line-up. Despite the fact that it took Harry Manson only five minutes to open the scoring, the Thistles ended up losing the intermediate provincial championship to the Victoria YMCA.

In 1899, the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers became the first aboriginal team to compete for a British Columbia championship. In what went on to become one of the most bitterly contested series recorded in the annals of provincial soccer, the Wanders lost a closely contested and controversial five-game series against their cross-town rivals, the Nanaimo Thistles.

By the time the 1902-03 season rolled along, eight long years had passed since the last Nanaimo club had won the senior provincial championship. It was therefore no surprise that enthusiasts in the Coal City were determined to recapture the trophy they had donated to the British Columbia Football Association, when this organization was formed in 1891. During Nanaimo’s prolonged cup-drought it became abundantly clear that the only way to defeat Esquimalt and Victoria clubs would be to form a team comprised of the best players from the Nanaimo Association Football League, in essence a Nanaimo all-star team.

Harry Manson was one of three Wanderers selected to play for the Nanaimo Association Football Team that won the senior British Columbia championship. Together with his teammates Louis Martin and Joe Peters, Harry Manson thus became one of the first three indigenous players to win a provincial championship.

Sadly, it appears that the contemporary law, which prohibited the sales of alcohol to Indians, may have been the excuse used for not inviting the three Snu-ney-muxw players to the victory party that held at the Wilson Hotel, one week later.

Ultimately, Harry Manson and the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers were not to be denied their moment of glory, as the following season they went on to achieve their greatest triumph by capturing the 1904 Nanaimo city championship.

Harry Manson’s tragic death in 1912 was front page news for both contemporary newspapers, the Nanaimo Free Press and the Nanaimo Herald. These articles disclosed the following:

“Harry Manson was well known to football enthusiasts in the district, having been a member of the Indian team, which made quite a reputation some few years back. He was also on the Nanaimo Uniteds when they won the B. C. challenge cup, which they held ever since.”

“Harry Manson was probably the best known of the Nanaimo Indians, (who) for many years played on the local senior soccer teams and was one of the best players Nanaimo has produced.”

Harry Manson and the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers played during a time when it was socially accepted and commonplace to publicly disrespect and mistreat First Nations people. The enclosed contemporary newspaper account of a soccer match in Nanaimo in 1907 demonstrates the attitudes of the time. It was in this prevailing climate of racial intolerance that Harry Manson and his Snu-ney-muxw mates laced up their boots and took to the pitch. Their fortitude and courage in doing so is a reflection of their passion for the game.

Several years ago, I was able to contact Emmy Manson, the great-granddaughter of Harry Manson. As a result, I was invited to visit the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation reserve, where I met with a number of Harry Manson’s descendants and was shown the house where Harry lived and where he was buried. While gathered on Harry’s grandson Gary’s sundeck, overlooking the ocean at the mouth of the Nanaimo River, we exchanged stories and pictures of Harry. It was a pleasant and convivial occasion, but I was saddened when they shared a copy of the Coroner’s Inquiry report on the fatal accident that took Harry Manson’s life in 1912. The report, housed at the B.C. Archives in Victoria, refers to this gifted athlete as “it” and “a drunken Indian,” despite contrary evidence from a contemporary newspaper account (enclosed) and the family’s account of Harry Manson as a loving and caring husband and father who died while returning from Nanaimo after having obtained medicine for Adam, his sick infant child.

As a talented athlete who became a British Columbia and Nanaimo soccer champion and also played first-base for the local Reliance Baseball Club, Harry Manson deserves to be remembered in a more respectful way than the words “it” and “drunken Indian” in a government report. I believe that his contributions as a person, a representative of the aboriginal community, and a Canadian sporting pioneer warrant official recognition. Accordingly, I would like to see Harry Manson inducted into one or more soccer or sports halls of fame. This would not only be a suitable tribute to the memory of Harry Manson, but would also serve as a source of inspiration for the aboriginal community and all British Columbians. Acknowledging the legacy of Harry Manson would also be an appropriate reflection of Canadian values of inclusivity and diversity.

I recently received the Manson family’s blessing to nominate Harry Manson for induction into the following four institutions:

* Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame – Nanaimo, BC
* British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame – Vancouver, BC
* Soccer Hall of Fame & Museum – Vaughan, ON
* Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – Calgary, AB

I would therefore like to respectfully request that you provide a letter in support of the nomination of Harry Manson. This letter can be mailed to me at the address below, or alternatively, sent as an email attachment.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Robert Janning

[The Ref]

I borrowed your book from the local library. Very interested with great research, well done Robert.

[Robert]

Update:

Three of the four political leaders in Vancouver that I requested letters of support to nominate Harry Manson for induction into several soccer and sports halls of fame have responded.

1) BC Premier Christy Clark sent the following letter on April 12, 2013, 10 days after contacting her office.

881


Unfortunately, at the time I contacted Premier Clark I was unaware of the fact that she was an Honourary Trustee of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and that it would be inappropriate to ask her to endorse a nomination over other nominations.

2) BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix has not yet responded to my request, which in light of his heavy defeat in the provincial election on Tuesday could mean that he will soon be the former Leader of the BC NDP party, and his endorsement would subsequently not carry much weight.

3) Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson extended an invitation to me to meet him at City Hall, on May 2nd. At that meeting he expressed that he would consider writing a letter in support of Harry Manson's nomination.

4) British Columbia Soccer Association President Roger Barnes has requested that the Elders of the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation be consulted before considering such a letter. I am still waiting for a reply on this matter from Snu-ney-muxw Chief White and his Council. I will be in Nanaimo next week, at which time I will try to find out if any progress has been made.

[Robert]

909910

I missed part of this attachment previously. The following is a brief update of my trip to the Island:

Today I was interviewed by Ben Ingram of the Nanaimo Daily News. The article will appear in the Saturday, May 25, 2013 issue of the Nanaimo Daily News.

I also spoke with a member of the Manson family, who will present the nomination of Harry Manson to Chief Douglas White III and his Council at the upcoming Snu-ney-muxw council meeting. This matter was postponed because of a death in the Snu-ney-muxw community.

The following is a rough draft of the cover letter for Harry Manson's nomination for induction to the BC Sports Hall of Fame:

Dear Members of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame Selection Panel:


My name is Robert Janning and I am a soccer historian based in Vancouver. I am writing to nominate Xul-si-malt, also known as Harry Manson, for induction into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in the individual Pioneer category. Harry Manson was a First Nations soccer player whose historic contributions to the game of soccer in B.C. warrant his formal recognition as a pioneering B.C. athlete.

As detailed in the table-of-contents following this cover letter, I have enclosed a letter of endorsement from the B.C. Soccer Association (this letter is still under consideration and has not been agreed to or written as of today), other letters of support, biographical information, newspaper extracts, and photographs supporting Xul-si-malt's candidacy.

I first became aware of Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) and his place in B.C. soccer history several years ago while researching my book Westcoast Reign: The British Columbia Soccer Championships 1892-1905 (2012), which recounts the history of British Columbia as seen through the lens of soccer. I soon discovered that he was a gifted athlete, whose soccer career was uniquely distinguished in several ways.

Harry Manson was born into the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation on the Nanaimo Indian Reserve in 1879. The beginning of his soccer career in the late 19th century coincided with a time when interest in the sport was taking a strong hold in the Nanaimo area.

Initially, Harry played on a team comprised exclusively of players from the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation. His leadership qualities quickly earned him the team’s captaincy, a position he held for the rest of his soccer-playing days.

In due course, Harry Manson and a teammate, James Wilks, were recruited to the Nanaimo Thistles line-up, participating in the team's run for the 1898 B.C. championship title. On April 2nd, the
Snu-ney-muxw athletes became the first aboriginal players to compete in a British Columbia soccer championship match. Although Harry Manson distinguished himself within the first five minutes by scoring the game's first goal, the Thistles eventually lost the intermediate provincial championship series to the Victoria Y.M.C.A. team.

In 1899, Harry Manson played for the newly christened Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, the first aboriginal team to compete for a British Columbia soccer championship. In one of the most protracted series in the annals of B.C. provincial soccer, the Wanderers lost a closely contested and controversial five-game decision to their cross-town rivals, the Nanaimo Thistles.

By the 1902-03 season, it had been eight years since a Nanaimo club had won the senior provincial championship. Enthusiasts in the Coal City were determined to recapture the trophy they had donated to the British Columbia Football Association in 1891, when the organization was established. Since none of the clubs in the Nanaimo Association Football League were independently strong enough to succeed against the best clubs from elsewhere in the province, the decision was made to assemble a team comprising the best players from all of the clubs in the League - in essence, a Nanaimo all-star team.

Harry Manson was one of three Wanderers selected to play for the Nanaimo Association Football Team that went on to win the 1903 senior British Columbia soccer championship. With his teammates Louis Martin and Joe Peters, he thus became one of the first three B.C. aboriginal players to compete on a victorious provincial championship team.

The Nanaimo Indian Wanderers greatest triumph came in 1904, when Harry Manson and his teammates captured the Nanaimo city championship. Despite this achievement, the Nanaimo Athletic Club decided to enter a Nanaimo team in the British Columbia championship without the support of the Snu-ney-muxw players. In due course, the provincial title and trophy were lost to the Esquimalt Garrison, the same team that had been defeated by the Nanaimo Association Football Team the previous year.

Sadly, Harry Manson met an untimely death in 1912, when he was struck and killed by a moving coal train while returning from a trip to Nanaimo to obtain medicine for his sick baby son, Adam. This tragic event was reported on the front pages of the Nanaimo newspapers.

In considering the story of Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) and the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, it is worth noting that they played during a time when mistreatment and public disrespect towards First Nations people was socially acceptable and common, as demonstrated by the enclosed newspaper extract. In this prevailing climate of racial intolerance, the Wanderers players laced up their boots and took to the pitch. Their fortitude and courage in doing so is a reflection of their passion for the game.

Among the Snu-ney-muxw soccer players, Harry Manson stands out for several reasons:

1. During the period from 1897 to 1906, he was the only player of either First Nations or European descent to play for all three Nanaimo premier soccer teams - the Nanaimo Thistles, the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, and the Nanaimo Association Football Team.

2. He was the captain of the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers during that entire period.

3. His reputation as an outstanding member of the team and a gifted soccer player was acknowledged in the newspaper reports that followed his death. The Nanaimo Daily Herald, for example, noted in a February 13, 1912 article that

Harry Manson was probably the best known of the Nanaimo Indians; for many years [he] played on the local senior soccer teams and was one of the best players Nanaimo has produced.

The impetus to nominate Harry Manson to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame emerged following the publication of Westcoast Reign in 2012. Questions at library readings and the curiosity evident in related conversations clearly demonstrated interest in and appreciation for the story of this exceptional B.C. athlete and his unique place in B.C. sports history. Induction into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame would afford Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) a measure of formal recognition and appreciation that is long overdue, and would be a suitable tribute to his memory, as well as a source of inspiration for the aboriginal community and all British Columbians. Acknowledging his legacy would also be an appropriate reflection of Canadian values of inclusivity and diversity.

I am pleased to end by mentioning that a passion for soccer continues at the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation. Harry Manson’s grandson, Gary Manson, has coached the Snu-ney-muxw Snipers for over a decade, while 11-year old Logan Manson emulates his great-great grandfather's soccer talent, competing on the field against much older players. Harry Manson's induction to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame would not only acknowledge his achievements of over one hundred years ago, but would also celebrate a continuing Snu-ney-muxw First Nation tradition.

Thank you for considering this nomination.


Sincerely,


Robert Janning

[Robert]

Here is my interview with the Nanaimo Daily News (Saturday, May 25, 2013)

http://digital.nanaimodailynews.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/sports/story.html?id=7f89392e-8d39-4723-a631-97ef4af1aeda

Indigenous soccer star a forgotten Nanaimo hero
Vancouver-based historian leading push to have Harry Manson inducted into several sports halls of fame for his achievements as a First Nations footballer

Ben Ingram, Daily News
Published: Saturday, May 25, 2013

The date is April 2, 1898 and something odd has happened at the Caledonia grounds in Victoria.

The B.C. Intermediate Football Association's Nanaimo Thistles are competing for a provincial championship in the finals against Victoria YMCA, but sickness has claimed two of their right-wingers. In a bid to save their shot at the Challenge Cup title, Nanaimo turns to two players from Snuneymuxw First Nation: James Wilks and Harry Manson.

The two become the first indigenous players to take part in a provincial championship match - playing alongside the whites. Manson hits the field and finds himself in a back-and-forth match with YMCA. Suddenly, he gains control of the ball and in perfect form, sends it flying into the net with a clean kick to open the scoring, a clear indication as to why the Thistles' management has become so enamoured with the young star.

While Nanaimo storms out to a 2-0 lead, bolstered by the play of Manson, the team ultimately falls by a score of 4-3. They later lose the third match of the final series and see the Challenge Cup go to Victoria. Nevertheless, a star is born.

During the years 1897-1904, Manson captained the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers to numerous victories, including a Nanaimo City Championship in 1904. The year before, Manson had been selected from the Wanderers to play on a Nanaimo all-star team, and helped to lift the squad to a provincial championship.

Amid a climate of racial intolerance when public humiliation of indigenous people was not only commonplace, but socially acceptable, Manson broke barriers as a First Nations soccer star.

Manson's accomplishments have impelled Vancouver-based soccer historian Robert Janning, 57, to lead a push to have the forgotten star inducted into not only the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame, but major sporting shrines across Canada.

"My hope is that somehow, if I can get Harry inducted into one of these sports hall of fames, something positive will ripple out of that and give the First Nations community a sense of pride and celebration," said Janning. "That when school classes get invited to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, they can make a connection: 'there's an indigenous athlete there.'"

Janning's re-discovery of Manson occurred while he worked on Westcoast Reign: The British Columbia Soccer Championships 1892-1905, an exhaustive history of footy's roots in this province that took roughly six years to compile.

A curiosity about B.C. soccer's origins had led Janning to the public library, only to find nothing on the topic.

"I quickly realized that if I wanted answers to the questions I had, that it was up to me to launch an investigation," he said.

Janning began an intensive exploration of archived materials, old newspaper clippings and microfilms. He poured through university libraries and materials at the legislature in Victoria.

Throughout the endeavour, another curiosity began to develop at the sight of the Manson name, which seemed to keep popping up in the material.

"The Snuneymuxw became involved quite early on because of their proximity to the European population," said Janning. "It was inevitable that the two alien cultures were going to have some form of social interaction. Soccer turned out to be one of those forms."

What also became evident was the intolerance Manson and his fellow athletes faced, with crowds shouting them down as 'savages' when the men laced up and hit the field.

In hopes of having Manson recognized as a pioneer in B.C. sport, Janning has made the rounds with politicians to ask for their support to have him nominated.

He has written to Premier Christy Clark and met with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson about the topic. Next on the list are Nanaimo Mayor John Rut-tan and the Snuneymuxw band council.

But the effort also has another purpose: to correct what Janning believes is a historical injustice.

Manson was killed in 1912, run over by a train while on a trip into town to get medicine for his infant son.

That six-month-old boy went on to have eight children of his own, including Gary Manson, whose only account of his grandfather, until recently, was a coroners report on his death.

The harshly-worded document dismisses Manson as "a drunken Indian."

Janning discovered newspaper clippings that painted a different picture and ultimately, found himself on Gary's doorstep in search of information on his grandfather.

Gary and his grandfather share the same traditional name, Xulsimalt, a title that took on new significance for the Mansons when Janning arrived.

"It was kind of ugly how they portrayed him in the inquest," said Gary. "I went looking for him, because I carried his name. That was the only document on him I found. I was kind of heartbroken, actually."

The Manson family had seen soccer-related photos of their ancestor before, but never realized the extent of his involvement until they met Janning.

"History died with him, our connection to our ancestors," said Gary. "I just can't say thank-you enough to Robert Janning, the author of that book."

Janning takes solace in knowing he has the backing of the Manson family to help him further his cause.

"I believe his contributions as a person, a representative of the aboriginal community, and a Canadian sporting pioneer warrant official recognition," he wrote in a letter to numerous political leaders. "This would not only be a suitable tribute to the memory of Harry Manson, but also serve as a source of inspiration."

BIngram@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4228

© The Daily News (Nanaimo) 2013


"Sorry guys. I'm not very adept at placing attachments into posts. Robert"

[Robert]

The effort to nominate Harry Manson is receiving more attention since the May 25, 2013 Ben Ingram article appeared in the Nanaimo Daily News. The Victoria Times-Colonist picked-up his article and published it on May 28th.

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/historian-pushes-for-nanaimo-s-forgotten-first-nations-soccer-star-to-be-included-in-sports-hall-of-fame-1.232598

And Luke Simcoe writing from Toronto for the Victoria Metro News posted the following article today:

http://metronews.ca/news/victoria/688925/historian-wants-first-nations-soccer-star-to-be-inducted-into-hall-of-fame/

[Robert]

More interest in the Harry Manson story. I received the following email from Mr. Murray Banting yesterday:

Hello Mr, Janning, I am a Board Member for the HCFC (Harbour City Football Club) in Nanaimo. We are a non-profit soccer club with over 1600 members in Nanaimo. See more at harbourcityfc.com . I read the article in the Daily Bulletin in regards to your research and story about soccer in BC and Harry MANSON. Our club the biggest soccer club on Vancouver Island and local to Nanaimo HCFC is interested in dedicating an award in his name to be given out annually at our awards banquet to one of our players age 6-20. I would like to approach either the family and the Snuneymuxw First Nation or both to offer this to them and see if they are interested in supporting this. We do have a good number of First Nations children on our club and would like to encourage more to join thus some exposure to who Harry Manson was in our group would be a great thing. We do have sponsors for our awards and this is the first year we are going to be making it an annual affair and the sponsor will become the legacy provider of this award (one time fee this year and their name stays with the award for future). I'm sure we can find a local sponsor to support this award given the historical connection to Nanaimo and soccer in our community. I do not have a copy of your book yet but do plan to purchase one soon, we have tweeted it out to all our members as well. I am writing you to ask if you could suggest a contact whom we could talk to, to discuss the award with either Snuneymuxw First Nation or the Manson family. Any suggestions that you have for this idea (for/against/suggestions) or contacts etc. would be appreciated. Sincerely, Murray Banting

I passed Murray's email on to a member of the Manson family. I'm curious to see what will come of it.

Tuesday, June 4th will be an important date, as Chief Douglas White III and the Snuneymuxw Council will decide whether or not to write a to the British Columbia Soccer Association indicating their approval to have Harry Manson nominated for several soccer and sports halls of fame. The timing of this council meeting is perfect, as the next BCSA Board of Directors meeting will be held on June 14th.

[Robert]

The motion before Chief Douglas White III and the Snuneymuxw Council to write a letter supporting the nomination of Harry Manson for induction into several soccer and sports halls of fame was unanimously approved at the council meeting held on Tuesday evening, June 4, 2013.

A copy of this letter will be forwarded to Mr. Roger Barnes, the president of the British Columbia Soccer Association, so that he may present it at the BCSA Board of Directors meeting, to be held on June 14, 2013. The ultimate objective for doing so is to try and secure a letter from soccer’s provincial governing body, endorsing the nomination of Harry Manson to several soccer and sports halls of fame.

[Robert]

I received the following letter today:

May 31, 2013

Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame

British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame

Soccer Hall of Fame & Museum

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Dear Sirs:

Re: Harry Xul-si-malt Manson

Please accept this letter as Snuneymuxw Chief and Council’s support for the nomination of Harry Xul’si’malt Manson to the above noted Sports Halls of Fame.

We confirm receipt of the attached request from Robert Janning who has completed research of the history of British Columbia, as seen through the lens of soccer. Mr. Janning uncovered the incredible historical story of one our Snuneymuxw First Nation members that warrants acknowledgement at this level.

Thank you on behalf of Snuneymuxw First Nation for your consideration.

Yours truly,

Chief Douglas White III Kwulasultun

I subsequent forwarded this letter to Mr. Roger Barnes, the president of the British Columbia Soccer Association with the following letter:

Dear Mr. Barnes,

I have just received the attached Snuneymuxw letter of support. In addition, I have also attached a copy of the rough draft of the nomination letter that I intend to submit to the various soccer and sports halls of fame. The latter may receive some minor corrections and revisions before I sign it, however, the basic content will remain relatively unchanged.

Thus the pertinent facts that support the nomination of Harry Manson are as follows:

1) The Manson family has given its blessing to have Harry Manson nominated.
2) The Snuneymuxw Chief and Council have given their blessing to have Harry Manson nominated.
3) During the past 11 days, the story to have Harry Manson nominated has appeared in the Nanaimo Daily News, the Victoria Times Colonist, and the Victoria Metro News.
4) The Harbour City Football Club wants to establish an award named after Harry Manson.
5) A Voyageurs Canadian Soccer Supporters thread chronicling the efforts to nominate Harry Manson has received over 45,000 views during the past two months.

I, therefore, respectfully request the British Columbia Soccer Association to consider endorsing the nomination of Harry Xul-si-malt Manson to the various soccer and sports halls of fame.

Respectfully yours,

Robert Janning

This is the second letter that I referred to in my letter to Mr. Barnes:

Dear Members of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame Selection Panel:


My name is Robert Janning and I am a soccer historian based in Vancouver. I am writing to nominate Xul-si-malt, also known as Harry Manson, for induction into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in the individual Pioneer category. Harry Manson was a First Nations soccer player whose historic contributions to the game of soccer in B.C. warrant his formal recognition as a pioneering B.C. athlete.

As detailed in the table-of-contents following this cover letter, I have enclosed a letter of endorsement from the B.C. Soccer Association, other letters of support, biographical information, newspaper extracts, and photographs supporting Xul-si-malt's candidacy.

I first became aware of Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) and his place in B.C. soccer history several years ago while researching my book Westcoast Reign: The British Columbia Soccer Championships 1892-1905 (2012), which recounts the history of British Columbia as seen through the lens of soccer. I soon discovered that he was a gifted athlete whose soccer career was uniquely distinguished in several ways.

Harry Manson was born into the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation on the Nanaimo Indian Reserve in 1879. The beginning of his soccer career in the late 19th century coincided with a time when interest in the sport was taking a strong hold in the Nanaimo area.

Initially, Harry played on a team comprised exclusively of players from the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation. His leadership qualities quickly earned him the team’s captaincy, a position he held for the rest of his soccer-playing days.

In due course, Harry Manson and a teammate, James Wilks, were recruited to the Nanaimo Thistles line-up, participating in the team's run for the 1898 B.C. championship title. On April 2nd, the
Snu-ney-muxw athletes became the first aboriginal players to compete in a British Columbia soccer championship match. Although Harry Manson distinguished himself within the first five minutes by scoring the game's first goal, the Thistles eventually lost the intermediate provincial championship series to the Victoria Y.M.C.A. team.

In 1899, Harry Manson played for the newly christened Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, the first aboriginal team to compete for a British Columbia soccer championship. In one of the most protracted series in the annals of B.C. provincial soccer, the Wanderers lost a closely contested and controversial five-game decision to their cross-town rivals, the Nanaimo Thistles.

By the 1902-03 season, it had been eight years since a Nanaimo club had won the senior provincial championship. Enthusiasts in the Coal City were determined to recapture the trophy they had donated to the British Columbia Football Association in 1891, when the organization was established. Since none of the clubs in the Nanaimo Association Football League were independently strong enough to succeed against the best clubs from elsewhere in the province, the decision was made to assemble a team comprising the best players from all of the clubs in the League - in essence, a Nanaimo all-star team.

Harry Manson was one of three Wanderers selected to play for the Nanaimo Association Football Team that went on to win the 1903 senior British Columbia soccer championship. With his teammates Louis Martin and Joe Peters, he thus became one of the first three B.C. aboriginal players to compete on a victorious provincial championship team.

The Nanaimo Indian Wanderers greatest triumph came in 1904, when Harry Manson and his teammates captured the Nanaimo city championship. Despite this achievement, the Nanaimo Athletic Club decided to enter a Nanaimo team in the British Columbia championship without the support of the Snu-ney-muxw players. In due course, the provincial title and trophy were lost to the Esquimalt Garrison, the same team that had been defeated by the Nanaimo Association Football Team the previous year.

Sadly, Harry Manson met an untimely death in 1912, when he was struck and killed by a moving coal train while returning from a trip to Nanaimo to obtain medicine for his sick baby son, Adam. This tragic event was reported on the front pages of the Nanaimo newspapers.

In considering the story of Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) and the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, it is worth noting that they played during a time when mistreatment and public disrespect towards First Nations people was socially acceptable and common, as demonstrated by the enclosed newspaper extract. In this prevailing climate of racial intolerance, the Wanderers players laced up their boots and took to the pitch. Their fortitude and courage in doing so is a reflection of their passion for the game.

Among the Snu-ney-muxw soccer players, Harry Manson stands out for several reasons:

1. During the period from 1897 to 1906, he was the only player of either First Nations or European descent to play for all three Nanaimo premier soccer teams - the Nanaimo Thistles, the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers, and the Nanaimo Association Football Team.

2. He was the captain of the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers during that entire period.

3. His reputation as an outstanding member of the team and a gifted soccer player was acknowledged in the newspaper reports that followed his death. The Nanaimo Daily Herald, for example, noted in a February 13, 1912 article that

Harry Manson was probably the best known of the Nanaimo Indians; for many years [he] played on the local senior soccer teams and was one of the best players Nanaimo has produced.

The impetus to nominate Harry Manson to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame emerged following the publication of Westcoast Reign in 2012. Questions at library readings and the curiosity evident in related conversations clearly demonstrated interest in and appreciation for the story of this exceptional B.C. athlete and his unique place in B.C. sports history. Induction into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame would afford Xul-si-malt (Harry Manson) a measure of formal recognition and appreciation that is long overdue, and would be a suitable tribute to his memory, as well as a source of inspiration for the aboriginal community and all British Columbians. Acknowledging his legacy would also be an appropriate reflection of Canadian values of inclusivity and diversity.

I am pleased to end by mentioning that a passion for soccer continues at the Snu-ney-muxw First Nation. Harry Manson’s grandson, Gary Manson, has coached the Snu-ney-muxw Snipers for over a decade, while 11-year old Logan Manson emulates his great-great grandfather's soccer talent, competing on the field against much older players. Harry Manson's induction to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame would not only acknowledge his achievements of over one hundred years ago, but would also celebrate a continuing Snu-ney-muxw First Nation tradition.

Thank you for considering this nomination.


Sincerely,


Robert Janning

[Robert]

More interest in the Harry Manson story. I received the following email from Mr. Murray Banting yesterday:

Hello Mr, Janning, I am a Board Member for the HCFC (Harbour City Football Club) in Nanaimo. We are a non-profit soccer club with over 1600 members in Nanaimo. See more at harbourcityfc.com . I read the article in the Daily Bulletin in regards to your research and story about soccer in BC and Harry MANSON. Our club the biggest soccer club on Vancouver Island and local to Nanaimo HCFC is interested in dedicating an award in his name to be given out annually at our awards banquet to one of our players age 6-20. I would like to approach either the family and the Snuneymuxw First Nation or both to offer this to them and see if they are interested in supporting this. We do have a good number of First Nations children on our club and would like to encourage more to join thus some exposure to who Harry Manson was in our group would be a great thing. We do have sponsors for our awards and this is the first year we are going to be making it an annual affair and the sponsor will become the legacy provider of this award (one time fee this year and their name stays with the award for future). I'm sure we can find a local sponsor to support this award given the historical connection to Nanaimo and soccer in our community. I do not have a copy of your book yet but do plan to purchase one soon, we have tweeted it out to all our members as well. I am writing you to ask if you could suggest a contact whom we could talk to, to discuss the award with either Snuneymuxw First Nation or the Manson family. Any suggestions that you have for this idea (for/against/suggestions) or contacts etc. would be appreciated. Sincerely, Murray Banting

I passed Murray's email on to a member of the Manson family. I'm curious to see what will come of it.

Dear Mr. Banting,

My apologies for taking a week to respond to your email dated June 1, 2013. The endeavour to nominate Harry Manson for induction into various soccer and sports halls of fame has taken up far more of my time this past week than I had anticipated.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn of your idea to honour Harry Manson by having the Harbour City Football Club, of which you are a Board Member, establish an award named after this incredible athlete.

In response to your request for the name of a person to contact from either the Manson family and/or the Snuneymuxw First Nation, I phoned Mr. Gary Manson the same day I received your email and passed on your phone number. In a subsequent phone conversation with Mr. Manson, I was informed that he had in principal agreed to your proposed idea.

In your email you had also invited me to offer any thoughts (for/against/suggestions) that I might have with regard to your proposal. Having had a week to contemplate the idea, during which time I had an opportunity to meet and discuss this matter with Chief Douglas White III and 3 Councillors from the Snuneymuxw Nation, several thoughts have come to mind.

I was thrilled beyond words that you came up with such a wonderful idea and are willing to bring it to fruition. You conveyed that the proposed award would be given out on an annual basis to one of your players between the ages of 6 to 20 years of age. With this end in view, I am curious to find out what the criteria would be for giving out this award? Would it be based on the number of goals a player scored over the course of a season, or the number of shut-outs recorded during a year?

When considering the criteria, I believe it is very important to remember that Harry Manson played during a time when soccer was not a money making proposition, and that he played for various “white teams” because of his love for the game. Despite the racial abuse he and his Snuneymuxw mates were subjected to during those matches, they dauntlessly continued to play. This shows class and character, especially when one takes into consideration this obvious and unjust way of treating people who are “not like you.”

I therefore believe that the recipients should understand the meaning behind the award. From my research it is clear that as a man, Harry Manson was not just a good soccer player, it was the essence of him that came shining through.

It is equally clear that a man, 100 years after his passing, can still be a good influence in our world. What an honour to be remembered in such a manner, would you not agree?

In conclusion I would like to suggest that you ask Mr. Manson to reconsider your offer to find a corporate sponsor for the Harry Manson Award. I believe it would be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned to have a strong corporate voice promoting the story of Harry Manson to the world at large.

One way to ensure that this message is carried would be to have the corporate sponsor donate a copy of my book to the recipients of the Harry Manson Award over the next decade.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,


Robert Janning

[Robert]

Some interesting new developments with regard to the Harry Manson Award according to Mr. Banting's email that follows:

Hi Robert, Ok, I was thinking the award would go to a player who in some way reflected a high level of tolerance or perseverance and or perhaps overcoming a hardship within the year. This I think would be reflective of what Harry Manson was forced to do and he must have had incredible stamina and love for the game to do what he did in that era. On the same note it could go to a player that shows a real love of the game whether they are a star or not wouldn’t matter (ie the kid that always is there rain or shine or snow or sleet etc.) Gary Manson had suggested that the award go to a First Nations player and we could do that if that is their wish, this of course would limit the number of candidates and I would like to discuss with them that it be open to all kids as it would help to spread the knowledge of who Harry Manson was to the broader community I think in that case. The physical award will be (as all are) , a trophy or plaque that is permanently on display at the HCFC clubhouse and each recipients name and year are engraved, I like the idea of adding a autographed book from you to each annual recipient. The cost for the sponsorship is $ 750.00 and this is a one time cost to cover the trophy, etc. and the sponsors name will stay with that award for the long term. I think a good corporate sponsor would jump at the opportunity to associate themselves with this one, but the band could also be a nice fit . I can see a plaque with a photo of Harry from your book as the center piece being something that would add some personal connection to the award as well.

Feel free to comment or add to any of this. Sincerely, Murray

It's another busy week. Off to the Island on Wednesday. Hopefully there will be a meeting with the parties concerned regarding the Harbour City FC's proposal. Also, on Friday, June 14th, the BCSA has its Board of Directors meeting. Hopefully there will be word on whether or not the BCSA endorses Harry Manson's nomination for induction to the various soccer and sports halls of fame.

[Robert]

The Manson family has asked Heiltsuk artist Fred Anderson to come up with a cover-design for Harry Manson's nomination presentation. This is his picture.

917

The following is a link to some more of Fred's artwork

http://sdrv.ms/MaJGEW

[Robert]

I just returned from the Island. This morning I met with Mr. Murray Banting, director of the Harbour City Football Club, and Mr. Gary Manson, Harry Manson’s grandson, to discuss some of the details concerning the proposed Harry Manson Award, which the club would like to present to the first recipient this coming September.

It was mutually agreed that:

1) The Harry Manson award should be inscribed with a brief description of who Harry Manson was and what he stood for.

2) The recipient of the Harry Manson award should, over the course of a season, exhibit qualities which are indicative of Harry Manson’s character. These attributes need not be limited to a specified list.

3) Mr. Gary Manson, or another member of the Manson family, will present the Harry Manson award to the recipient.

It was also agreed in principal that:

4) All members of the Harbour City Football Club would be considered eligible for the Harry Manson award.


The other matter of importance today is the BCSA Board of Directors meeting that is being held as I write. The question of whether or not the provincial governing body will endorse the Harry Manson’s nomination for induction into several soccer and sports halls of fame will be put forth at this meeting.

[Robert]

Great news! A few hours ago I met with Mr. Roger Barnes, president of the BCSA, who informed me that the BCSA's Board of Directors had voted unanimously in favour to write a letter of support for Harry Manson last night.

[Blue and White Army]

Excellent work, Robert. Keep at it.