Jets, Moose celebrate Indigenous culture with special logos

The logos of Winnipeg's professional hockey teams have been given a redesign in honour ofManitoba's Indigenous communities and cultures.

On Saturday, theNHL'sJets will honour the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre withWASACnight, while on Sundaythe Moose host Follow Your Dreams Day.

Both initiatives are part of theNHL'sefforts topromotediversity and inclusiveness in hockey, according to True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Jets and the American Hockey League's Moose.

The logos, whichincorporate the artwork and symbolism of several Indigenous cultures, were designed by Red River College graphic design studentLeticiaSpence, whois fromPimicikamakFirst Nation.

"When I was first asked, I was kind of elated. I was really excited because this is a pretty big opportunity," said Spence, who will experience her first Jets game in person on Saturday.

"It's going to be really, really cool to see my work up on the screens and stuff. That's what I'm looking forward to. It's going to be amazing."

I think it will help more Indigenous youth to really treasure their culture because it's a beautiful thing.- LeticiaSpence, who designed the special logos

She applauded True North for making the move to celebrate the Indigenous community, saying it's an important step toward helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous people understand and learn from each other "and further develop our relationships in a positive direction."

"And I think it will help more Indigenous youth to really treasure their culture because it's a beautiful thing."

The redesigned Jets logoincorporates the medicine wheel shape and colours, along with geometric patterns to represent beadwork.

The Moose logo incorporates symbols and colours to represent heart and soul, as well as arrowheads. The style is based on the Woodland School Of Art, a genre of painting alsoknown asLegend PaintingorMedicine Painting.

The style was founded byNorval Morrisseau, a First NationsOjibweartist from NorthernOntario, whoSpencesays inspires her.

Her logos won't be on the players' game jerseys,but will be featured on T-shirts that will besold at the games, with all proceeds going towardWASAC.

Any remaining shirts will continue to be sold at Jets Gear stores, with a portion of the proceeds going towardWASAC.

For WASAC night, the Jets will welcome 30 Indigenous youth from remote and northern communities including LacBrochet, Oxford House,Pauingassi, andShamattawa.

Thefull experience will include skating with Indigenous NHL alumniReggieLeach, Jamie Leachand Daryl Stanley at CampManitoubefore heading toBell MTS Place to take in the Jets game against the Ottawa Senators, where Indigenous country and folk singer DonAmerowill perform the national anthem with drumming group Spirit Sands Singers.

The ceremonial puck drop will featureIndigenous youth and elders.

The Manitoba Moose Follow Your Dreams Day will bring in500 Indigenous youth who will will have an exclusive opportunity to take part in a meet-and-greet session with ReggieLeach, Jamie Leachand Daryl Stanley before watching the Moose play the Milwaukee Admirals.

Moose fans will also be treated to drumming from the Spirit Sands Singers.

Jets, Moose celebrate Indigenous culture with special logos

6 years ago

Duration 4:23

The logos, which incorporate the artwork and symbolism of several Indigenous cultures, were designed by Red River College graphic design student Leticia Spence, who is from Pimicikamak First Nation