The Canadian Football League (CFL) is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with fundraising efforts and Indigenous-designed logos for games this week. Each team will have an Indigenous-themed logo for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be celebrated on September 30th. The logos were designed by local artists. The CFL shared in a press release its intention to “underscore the league’s commitment to recognizing the past, while focusing on a path forward centred on awareness, education and action.”

Local Artists and Their Creations

The following local artists created logos for the initiative:

• Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Kyle Joedicke, a Cayuga artist, redesigned the Ticats logo using the Woodlands style, which is often used in his murals. The logo incorporates traditional Indigenous elements while still retaining the team's identity. He wanted to “give the Indigenous community of Hamilton a sense of ownership and inclusiveness in an environment that’s not always been incredibly welcoming for systematic colonial reasons.” Joedicke sees this redesign as a positive step towards Truth and Reconciliation, showcasing Indigenous culture and art in a way that can help people understand the history of colonialism in Canada.
• Toronto Argonauts: Emily Kewageshig, an Anishnaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29, designed the Argonauts logo. The logo features the iconic Toronto Argonauts boat logo, but through the representative lens of the Indigenous community. It incorporates symbolism that honors Indigenous peoples and their relationship with water, while also representing the seven generations that are to be considered when making decisions.
• Montreal Alouettes: Finnley Montour, a Kahnawake artist, designed the Alouettes logo. The design transforms the Alouettes' logo into a dreamcatcher with a 12-pointed star in the middle representing the 12 players on the field, and three features representing the Mohawk headdress.

Fans can see the logos on the players’ helmets and in-stadium programming during the broadcasts. Proceeds from CFL merchandise with the logos will be donated to local Indigenous groups, organizations and programming.

Celebrating Truth and Reconciliation

The Calgary Stampeders already showed off their logo in Week 15 against the Montreal Alouettes since the team is on a bye week this week. Fans will get a first glimpse at the new logos in Friday night’s doubleheader, starting with a matchup between the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers before the Hamilton Tiger-Cats square off with the BC Lions. It all concludes on Saturday with the Ottawa Redblacks-Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes-Toronto Argonauts contests.

The CFL's initiative is a step towards honoring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and acknowledging the importance of Indigenous culture in Canadian society. The league hopes that by showcasing the art and stories of local Indigenous artists, they can encourage conversations about Truth and Reconciliation and help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Beyond the Game

The CFL’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation goes beyond just the logos. The league is also working to support local Indigenous communities through various initiatives, such as partnerships with Indigenous organizations and the creation of educational programs about residential schools. The CFL hopes that by taking these actions, they can help to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

The CFL’s initiative is a powerful reminder of the importance of reconciliation and the need to acknowledge the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Continuing the Conversation

While the CFL’s initiative is a positive step towards reconciliation, it is important to remember that the journey towards healing and justice is ongoing. The CFL’s actions are a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society for everyone.