http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=df1d12fe-5d7b-
43bf-a707-eaf377e071c0

Saanich snap was signature move of Chief Thunderbird

Ian Walker, Vancouver Sun
Published: Saturday, June 21, 2008

From his debut in 1933 until his retirement from wrestling in 1955,
Saanich's Chief Thunderbird was the first big name First Nations' grappler
from Canada and long rated the best by many authorities.

Born Jean Baptiste Paul in 1896, he was the hereditary chief of the
Tsartlip Indians at Brentwood on Vancouver Island, son to Tommy Paul and
grandson to Ben Paul, both who were noted chiefs with the tribe.

Thunderbird was an eight letter man in sports during his time at Indian
college in Tacoma, called the Cushman School, including boxing, wrestling,
baseball, basketball track and field, football, soccer and lacrosse. As a
boxer, Thunderbird won 27 of 32 pro fights, breaking both hands at various
times.

Entering the wrestling ring in full native regalia, including a feather
head-dress and drums pounding, Chief Thunderbird was a noted attraction
across North America, but even moreso in England, which he toured in
1951-52 and 1954-55. His signature move was the "Saanich Snap," which was
similar to what was also known as the "Indian Deathlock," but he used his
arms to gain the submission.

He retired from wrestling in 1955 when he broke a leg in two places. Jean
Baptiste Paul died on Nov. 23, 1966 in St. Joseph's Hospital in Saanich
after being hospitalized for two weeks.

A totem pole was commissioned in his honour, done by Thunderbird's nephew
Benjamin Paul, and unveiled to the public in August 1969.

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