Historic Game Day for the Saskatchewan Roughriders

This Saturday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will proudly unveil a unique, Indigenous-designed logo during their home game, a groundbreaking moment in the team’s history. The exciting debut is set to occur at Mosaic Stadium when the Roughriders face off against the Ottawa Redblacks in a special celebration of Indigenous culture.

The Logo's Design and Significance

The beautifully crafted logo, designed by Chris Chipak from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, emphasizes the team’s dedication to truth and reconciliation. Chipak, who resides in Saskatoon, was commissioned by the Roughriders to create a symbol that resonates with both the Indigenous community and the team's broader fanbase. He previously designed an Indigenous-influenced logo for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, showcasing his continued commitment to representing his heritage through art.

"My focus on this piece was to promote the importance of the land and the beauty of the prairies," Chipak expressed in a statement, highlighting the significance of the region's natural landscapes in his design. "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, makes us feel in the present, and gives us hope for a better future."

Elements of the Logo

The logo features a majestic buffalo, symbolizing the spirit of the Saskatchewan prairies, accompanied by a ribbon-like skyline that pays homage to the Indigenous ribbon skirts. It captures the province’s identity as "the land of the living skies." Additional elements of the design include a flowing river adorned with eight circles, representing the native berries that thrive in Saskatchewan, alongside grasses and roots that symbolize a profound connection to the land.

Furthermore, the logo includes two upright feathers representing respect and honor, while also acknowledging Two-Spirited individuals and their valuable contributions to the community. The Roughriders’ organization emphasizes that feathers are a significant symbol of respect and inclusivity.

Team Leadership's Perspective

Craig Reynolds, the team’s president and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm: "Each element of the logo is steeped in 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."

Supporting Indigenous Initiatives

In addition to the logo reveal, players will wear orange warm-up jerseys featuring the team’s name in Cree syllabics, further promoting Indigenous representation. Fans will have the opportunity to win these warm-up jerseys, with proceeds from the raffle benefitting Indigenous programming initiatives, such as the Northern Saskatchewan Football League and community camps aimed at growing the game in Indigenous communities.

Join the Celebration!

Don’t miss this historic kickoff at 1 p.m. on Saturday, where football fans will witness not only a thrilling game but also a profound tribute to Indigenous culture and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Join the Roughriders in celebrating unity and reverence for the land!