FIRST NATIONS DESIGNED TROPHIES PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF CANADA SEVENS

In honour of the Coast Salish Nations, on whose territory the HSBC Canada Sevens was held, the tournament’s trophies and medallions pay tribute to the power of rugby with compelling symbols of native art related to the sea, land, mountain and sky. As a valued partner of the tournament, Silver Wheaton’s (a Vancouver based precious metals streaming company) support has heavily contributed toward the creation of tournament trophies.

The trophies have been hand carved out west coast cedar by talented First Nations artists (left to right) Corey Bulpitt (T’aakeit G’aayaa), Yul Baker (Walla-bossa-ma), Aaron Nelson Moody (Tawx’sin Yexwulla), and Rick Harry (Xwalacktun).

First Nations Artists pose with the Cup Final Trophy which was presented to Cup Winners New Zealand: Artists (Left to Right) Corey Bulpitt, Yul Baker, Aaron Nelson-Moody, and Rick Harry

For those who are new to the World Rugby Sevens Series four-trophy system, it ensures even the weaker nations in the tournament have a tangible goal. In descending order of prestige, they are the Cup, whose winner is the overall tournament champion, Plate, Bowl and Shield. Each trophy is awarded at the end of a knockout tournament.

Two versions of the Cup have been created. The one that was presented to the tournament winners New Zealand is designed as a killer whale, known as the guardian of the sea and a symbol of unity (below).

Cup Winners New Zealand celebrate with traditional war cry - The Haka. The two trophies above were presented to New Zealand after their win. The trophy on the left will accompany the team back to New Zealand while the trophy on the right will remain in Vancouver.

 

The Cup that is staying in Vancouver is based on a wolf design, known to be a great team player and symbolizes perseverance and success.

 

The Plate is intricately carved into a design of the sun, which is known to provide the earth with healing energy and life. The Plate was presented to Samoa for their win over 31 – 19 USA.

 

The Bowl is a goat, representing agility, and no fear. The Bowl was presented to Canada (below) after a try was scored with no time left to tie the game. Canada’s Nathan Hirayama slotted the conversion to push Canada ahead of France 19 – 17.

 

The Shield is a thunderbird, a supernatural being of power and strength. The Shield was presented Russia after a win over Portugal 17 – 10

 

A warm thank you to the Artists (Aaron, Rick, Corey and Yul) and to Silver Wheaton for their generous contributions that helped bring the trophies to life.