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).

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).

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.