Cape Breton Eagles to wear Mi'kmaw-inspired jerseys on Friday

The Cape Breton Eagles will be wearing socks and jerseys at Friday night's game designed to replicate the regalia of Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul.

The attire is part of the team's first annual heritage game, which is meantto celebrate Cape Breton's history, culture and industry.

"They've been a partner of the Cape Breton Eagles for so long, and we just thought they would be a fantastic kickoff and they were ecstatic when we approached them about it," saidCourtney Schriver-Richard, general manager of business operations for the Eagles.

The national anthem before the gamewill be performed in Mi'kmaq. There will also be performances by Membertou community members during the intermissions.

Schriver-Richard called partnering with Membertou "a no-brainer."

Jersey has culturally significant details

The colours, patterns and design on the new jersey are culturally significant to Mi'kmaw people.

"The colours are taken from the medicine wheel, which contains the four colours: red, black, yellow and white," said Paul."The colours represent the four directions:[north, south, east and west], along with spiritual and physical, emotional and mental health."

Images of the jerseys were released online and have attracted lots of positive feedback.

Schriver-Richard said she's shockedby the reception, but she's also not surprised.

"Everywhere I turn, people are asking how they can get one," she said. "So, you know, we did something right and Membertou did something right and we're really excited about it."

Online jersey auction

The jerseys will be auctioned off online for two weekswith all proceeds going to Membertou.

Schriver-Richard said the hope is each jersey sells for at least $200, but she expects some jerseys will go for much higher. She saidMembertou deserves the recognition for the jersey's popularity.

Paul said he's happy with the attention the jerseys are getting.

"We've got really good positive feedback [from] the people that have seen it," he said."I feel enough pride in where we're showing the public what part of our culture is."

Friday's game is against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

Paul said the community of Membertou will be there to support theEagles and will makeits transit buses available for people who need a ride to the game.

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