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The popular EA Sports FIFA video game has literally returned to its roots with its new edition.

Developed primarily in EA Vancouver, FIFA 23 recognizes the history, heritage and culture of the Musqueam Indian Band by including artwork and material from Musqueam artists in the new edition.

Vancouver is located on the ancestral and undisclosed territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.

There are over 1,300 Musqueam band members. About half live in a small portion of the ancestral area known as Musqueam Reserve, south of Marine Drive in Vancouver, near the airport.

Many others live in Musqueam territory, now called Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and New Westminster.

Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow was stunned to see the results of his partnership with EA Sports.

“Great. I’m really proud of our artists, our community,” he said in an interview. “It’s just great to have it presented like this. For me it’s a big step in reconciliation.”

The work of some 10 local artists is featured in the game.

“When I watched it, it got a little emotional,” Sparrow said. “All the hard work that our ancestors have done in the past to be recognized in our area, some of the battles they have had with the residential schools, the rights of indigenous peoples accepted in the UNDRIP (Declaration of the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and things like that.

“The only thing that upsets me is that I wish those who fought hard for us, who left us all, are not here to see what has come of their hard work. Because it’s not necessarily the leadership of the day. It’s all those leaders from the past who have laid the foundation for us.”

FIFA 23 players will have the opportunity to play on a fictional representation of Musqueam’s real football field. Completed in 2015, the band’s sports facilities – a legacy of the 2010 Olympics – consist of two large football fields and a clubhouse. The Musqueam Field is a playable field in the game in Volta Football mode, a take on street football.

Gamers can unlock Volta Football apparel and FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) kits designed by Musqueam artists, along with FUT stadium customization elements featuring a variety of Musqueam motifs and patterns.

While EA Sports’ Madden NFL franchise has collaborated with native artists in the past (Hawai’i Stadium at Madden 22), the developer says this is a first such collaboration for the FIFA title “as we strive to create a better connecting with the local communities where our studios are located and our games are produced.”

“We are honored to partner with Musqueam artists, athletes and community leaders to help share their deep and meaningful history and culture with the millions of FIFA fans around the world,” said Nicholas Lammie, director of brand marketing at EA Sports FIFA. a statement.

The artwork has been reviewed by a committee of representatives appointed by the Musqueam Indian Band, EA Sports and Monday Creative, a Vancouver-based marketing firm.

The partnership also sees EA Sports help the Musqueam on its own turf by creating actual kits for Musqueam footballers that bring the in-game outfits to life. It also offers upgrades to the Musqueam Field, including improved storage and equipment management facilities, new goals and nets, and modified tents to protect against inclement weather.

Musqueam football teams regularly play in tournaments across BC

“It’s a huge sport here in Musqueam,” Sparrow said.

Musqueam artists whose work features in the game include Kelly Cannell, Chase Gray, Deanna Point, Krista Point, Aleen Sparrow, Brent Sparrow, Debra Sparrow, Kamryn Sparrow, Robyn Sparrow, and Cole Sparrow-Crawford.

FIFA 23, also worked on by EA Romania, will be available worldwide on September 30 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X 5/8 S, PC, Stadia, PS4 and Xbox One. Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition starts on September 27.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on September 24, 2022.