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Soccer pioneer Harry Manson, first aboriginal inducted into Hall of Fame

It has been more than 100 years since Canada's first aboriginal soccer star stormed onto the pitch, Harry 'Xulsimalt' Manson was a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island. He was talented, subjected to racism, and later faded into history. But now he's been inducted into Canada's soccer Hall of Fame...
CBC Radio ·
It has been more than 100 years since Canada's first aboriginal soccer star stormed onto the pitch, Harry 'Xulsimalt' Manson was a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island. He was talented, subjected to racism, and later faded into history. But now he's been inducted into Canada's soccer Hall of Fame

• Harry Manson transcended racial prejudice on the soccer pitch at turn of 19th century -- Duncan McCue, CBC News


lost and found 220.jpg

"Soccer is in our blood." Harry Mason (BC Archives)

This past November, a man you've likely never heard of joined the athletic immortals in the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Harry Xulsimalt Manson was a pioneering soccer star more than a hundred years ago. He was also a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island ... near Nanaimo. He's the first aboriginal player to receive this honour.

Subjected to racism and later obscurity... Manson's story was unearthed and championed by an unlikely researcher. Robert Janning's interest not only brought Manson's legacy to light - but it spawned a surprising friendship.

CBC's Jean Paetkau in Victoria spoke with Robert Janning and to Harry Manson's grandson, Gary, and shares their story in the documentary, Lost and Found.

• For more top stories visit CBC Aboriginal

Lost and Found featured the voices of Robert Janning and Gary Manson - the grandson of Harry Manson - who will be inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame in Vaughan, Ontario tomorrow.

Thanks too to the CBC's Keith Vass who voiced the archival newspaper articles.

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