Sounders pay homage to WA tribes with new ‘Salish Sea Kit’

The Sounders tapped into their roots again to inspire their secondary uniform, which is titled “The Salish Sea Kit” and was unveiled Thursday.

The club’s home turf, Lumen Field in Seattle, and training grounds in Renton are on occupied Duwamish Tribe land. The United States seized their territory in 1855 and many with Duwamish lineage are part of the federally created Muckleshoot Tribe, Puyallup Tribe and other Coast Salish tribes.

Danielle Morsette of the Suquamish Tribe collaborated with Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot Tribe) and Connie McCloud (Puyallup Tribe) to create the intricate design derived from Southern Coast Salish weaving techniques called twilling and twining. The kit’s varied hues of blue conjure images of water, an underlying “call to protect what sustains us and to celebrate the connections that make us whole,” according to a news release.

A shared language between Coastal Salish tribes is Southern and Northern Lushootseed. The phrase “Water Is Sacred” is written in Southern Lushootseed and English on the bottom left corner of each jersey front.

In a joint statement, the three women artists praised having their voices heard as part of the process of creating the look.

“To have our collective wisdom and experience reflected in the design made this project feel even more powerful and significant,” their statement read, in part. “There were moments during this project that were emotionally beautiful, as we believe the Sounders approached it with the utmost integrity. They didn’t just want to create something visually powerful; they aimed to create a representation of the Salish Sea in the best way possible, staying true to our traditions and values. It was a collaboration that touched us deeply, and one we hope will inspire others in the same way it has inspired us.”

The Sounders committed to donating proceeds up to $50,000 from the first 30 days of the kits’ sales to organizations that preserve the cultural heritage of tribal communities and protect the Salish Sea’s ecosystem, including The Burke Museum, Potlatch Fund, Puget Soundkeeper, Seattle Aquarium and RAVE Foundation.

The funds are expected to support youth education and arts programs honoring the traditions of Washington State’s tribal communities, advance efforts to restore the health of the Salish Sea and provide educational and recreational experiences specifically for tribal youths.

“We are proud to present The Salish Sea Kit — a jersey that embodies the Sounders FC spirit and our region’s deep cultural and environmental ties,” said Hugh Weber, the Sounders’ president of business operations, in a news release. “This kit is more than what we wear on the pitch, it is a testament to partnership, stewardship and our shared responsibility to protect the Salish Sea for generations to come.”

The Sounders were established in 1974 and that is honored on the back neckline. The letter “S” represents the Sounders and Salish Sea and floats over the number “74.” Below is a design that looks like a wave and the tale of an orca.

Fans can purchase “The Salish Sea Kit” at Sounders FC Pro Shop locations and MLSStore.com.

The uniform will have a two-year run as part of the league and adidas’ “Community Kit” initiative, which allow clubs to create secondary jerseys with specific meaning for each team. “The Salish Sea Kit” will replace the “Bruce Lee Kit” that was unveiled in February 2023.

The ruby-red jersey honored the legendary martial artist and actor who attended the University of Washington and is buried in Lake View Cemetery north of Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. Seattle’s inaugural community kit was dedicated to musician Jimi Hendrix, a global icon who was born in Seattle.

The Sounders could also reveal a special kit to commemorate their participation in the FIFA men’s Club World Cup in June. But the “Anniversary Kit” will remain the primary uniform this season. That jersey celebrates the club’s 50-year history.

Seattle opens its season Wednesday with the first leg of the CONCACAF men’s Champions Cup against Guatemala’s Antigua GFC. The match will be played at the latter’s Estadio Pensativo.

The Sounders kick off their MLS slate against the Eastern Conference’s Charlotte FC on Feb. 22 at Lumen. Seattle (16-9-9) finished fourth in the Western Conference standings last year, closing their campaign with a 1-0 loss to the LA Galaxy in the conference final.