Vancouver woman singing anthem at Seahawks game will kneel

VANCOUVER — A Vancouver woman invited to sing O Canada before a Seahawks game in Seattle says she will take a knee during the American anthem to support protesting NFL players and make a statement about human rights.

Arielle Tuliao said she broke into tears when she read an email from the Seahawks asking her to sing Canada’s national anthem on Sunday as part of the team’s celebration honouring Canadian fans.

The 28-year-old singer and actor has sung at Canucks games.

Tuliao wondered how she’d respond as players kneeled or locked arms during the StarSpangled Banner in keeping with protests by NFL and NBA teams over police brutality.

“I want to honour the Seahawks for celebrating their true north fans,” Tuliao said, “but at the same time, it’s my job to also stand up for [their] rights, not just as American citizens, but as humans.”

Tuliao said she won’t kneel during the Canadian anthem.

“But I’m 100 per cent confident that I’ll be kneeling for the American anthem,” she said.

The Seahawks face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Tuliao was initially afraid to wade into a political issue in the U.S., but said she was motivated by conquering her fear of speaking openly about her lifelong battle with depression, for which she finally sought help last year.

“This is something that’s way bigger than me. In my heart I know it’s the right thing to do.”

The Seahawks did not respond to requests for comment.