The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be sporting a new Indigenous logo at this Saturday’s game.
A release from the Riders says the logo was commissioned in recognition of the Club’s deep commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The logo will be sported on the helmets and on graphics throughout Mosaic Stadium and on broadcast television on the September 28 game.
“My goal has always been to have my work leave a story, even when art can’t be seen the stories carry on. My focus on this piece was to promote the importance of the land and the beauty of the prairies,” said Chirs Chipak of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, designer of the logo. “I hope as this logo is revealed it provides healing, hope and inclusion to all. I wanted this to be a timeless logo that heals us from the past, make us feel in the present, and gives us hope for a better future.”
The release goes on to state that the logo has a deep cultural meaning through all its elements, Chipak feels. The artist was inspired by the Treaty 4 flag to incorporate the Buffalo, which embodies the spirit of the Saskatchewan prairies and represents the respect for the willingness to offer every part of itself to sustain the lives of others - a connection between the land and the people.
The sun emphasizes the Treaty promise and it signifies the interconnectedness of all things to represent the collective effort that is essential to reconciliation. The ribbon-like skyline pays tribute to the province’s identity as “the land of the living skies” and traditional ribbon skirts.
The river’s (kisiskâciwan) eight circles symbolize the number of native berries of Saskatchewan. The two upright feathers evoke a sense of respect and honour, while representing Two-Spirited people, acknowledging their roles as guides and their diverse perspectives within the community. Feathers are a powerful symbol of the highest form of respect and the importance of inclusivity.
“As a team, we are profoundly honoured to showcase this beautiful logo created by local Indigenous artist Chris Chipak,” said Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds in the release. “Each element of the logo is steeped with deep meaning, and we hope Rider Nation will not only wear it with the same pride as our football team but take a moment to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation and our connection to each other.”
In addition to this new logo, for the third season in a row, players will wear orange warm-up jerseys with this year’s jersey featuring Saskatchewan Roughriders spelled out in Cree syllabics. Those jerseys are orange as a reflection of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30.