Calgary Stampeders to mark Truth and Reconciliation at Saturday’s game
Posted Sep 26, 2023 10:21 am.
Last Updated Sep 26, 2023 10:33 am.
The Calgary Stampeders will wear orange warm-up jerseys and a helmet with a specially designed logo for Saturday’s game in Hamilton on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important part of the acknowledgment of the tragedies of the past and the ongoing process of atonement and healing,” Stampeders president John Hufnagel said in a statement. “The Calgary Stampeders are proud to partner with the people of Treaty 7 and the Canadian Football League to participate in this observance.”
The concept for the special logo to be worn on the player’s helmets emulates the Contemporary Plains Style Traditional Art, according to the team, and was designed by Jacob Alexis, Richard Running Rabbit and Siksika Health Services CEO Dr. Tyler White.
The symbols used are paint styles that would be used for horses on special occasions, including going into battle: lighting bolts for speed and agility; stripes for acts of valour; paint around the eye for keen vision; feathers also for valour or to represent coups; and the spotted hind quarter representing creation stories and teachings.
The handprint on the chest represents a fierce, fearless horse who would knock down enemies and bring the rider home unharmed, the team said.
Players’ helmets will also feature custom numbers and braid-style striping to honour the people ad the traditional use of the braid in Indigenous communities. The symbols depicting the mountains and tipi/lodges are used to represent the people of Treaty 7, the people by the mountains, the teams says.
“We wanted to keep it identifiable with respect to the fans and add what we wanted to say as well.”
Designers Dr. Tyler White, CEO of Siksika Health Services, Richard Running Rabbit, and Jacob Alexis discuss the inspiration behind the logo and helmet.#TogetherWeRide pic.twitter.com/V7EL88c2n1
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) September 25, 2023
“In Siksika, we’ve received nothing but hospitality from Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) teams,” said Dr. White. “The Calgary Hitmen, the Calgary Flames, and now the Calgary Stampeders. It’s such an honour to be able to share our Blackfoot artwork and culture with friends and community.”
Fans will have the opportunity to win one of the special-edition orange pre-game jerseys worn by the players prior to Saturday’s game by purchasing Stampeders Foundation RE/MAX 50/50 raffle tickets.
The jackpot opened on Sunday and will run until Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 p.m.
Everyone who buys a 50/50 ticket will be entered into a draw for a chance to win the jackpot and/or one of the 49 orange jerseys worn by a member of the Stamps.
Seven jersey draws will be held over the seven-day raffle.
Proceeds will go toward youth programming in each of the Treaty 7 First Nation Communities.
The CSEC Inclusion Program supports programs and charities including Spirit North, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience and the CSEC Indigenous Internship Program.
