The Toronto Argonauts have unveiled their new Indigenous logo ahead of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The logo, which will be worn on Toronto’s helmets for upcoming next game against Ottawa, was designed in partnership with Emily Kewageshig, an Anishnaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29.
The design features four figures alongside the boat, which represent Indigenous peoples across past, present, and future generations while also highlighting the important relationship Indigenous peoples have with water. The seven circles in the logo represent the practice of sustainability, commemorating the traditional practice of making decisions with the next seven generations in mind.
The feather placed alongside the ‘A’ is meant to symbolize the honour, strength, and bravery of all Indigenous peoples. The orange colour refers to ‘Orange Shirt Day’ with the gradient style alluding to sunrise and sunset.
“I am proud to partner with the Toronto Argonauts to create a unique logo for the Orange Jersey Game. I come from a small community and when my art and our culture is put on the forefront, it is a celebration for all of us,” said Kewageshig in a statement. “I was able to integrate symbolism within the logo that honours who we are as Indigenous people and that is so special to me. I thank MLSE for giving me the opportunity to share these stories with the team and all of the fans.”
Saturday’s game will also feature a live welcome from Chief Claire Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit, a pregame performance of a traditional flag song from award-winning drummers from Bear Creek, and a halftime performance from Red Bear Singers, All Nations Jr’s, and EJ Kwandibens accompanied by Indigenous Pow-wow dancers.
The Argonauts will also be donating all proceeds from the 50/50 on Sept. 28 to the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. The team will wear orange jerseys during pregame warmup, which will then be auctioned off with proceeds going to the same organization.
The Toronto Argonauts (7-7) will host the Montreal Alouettes (11-2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 28 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.
