B.C. hockey team to keep Indigenous logo with approval from nearby First Nation chief

After receiving consent from a local First Nation, the Rossland Warriors will continue to use a logo that features an Indigenous symbol.

Rossland Warriors logo features Indigenous man wearing a headdress, similar to that of the Chicago Blackhawks

Bob Keating CBC News Posted: Aug 13, 2020 9:57 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 14, 2020

A hockey team in B.C.'s West Kootenay region asked nearby First Nations for input on whether they should change their logo. (Rossland Warriors/Facebook)

A B.C. hockey team will keep their logo featuring an Indigenous man wearing a headdress with the supportof nearby First Nation's leader.

Sports teams across North America are rethinking their use of Indigenous symbols and names, including the Rossland Warriors in Rossland, located in B.C.'s West Kootenays. The team hasreceived complaintsabout itsjerseyswhichusea logo similar to that of the Chicago Blackhawks.

"I don't think we were trying to disrespect anything, it's a long standing name inRossland," said Warriors coachDarin Sinal, adding thatthe Warriors date back to1957.

A petition was launched against the logo, and the issue was brought up at the team's annual general meeting.

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The Warriors decided to ask First Nation leaders how they felt about the use of the Indigenous logo on their sweaters. There is no established First Nation in the Rossland area, so they contacted the KtunaxaNation to the east and Osoyoos Indian Band to the west, to ask for advice.

Sinalsaidthe Ktuanxa did not respond, but Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie, who is also Tribal Chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, said he had no problem with the logo or name.

"At first he said he was supportive and he brought it to his council," said Sinal.

Louie and the Osoyoos Band sent a letter to the Warriors, stating their support for the logo.

"As a real sports fan and First Nation Chief I take the issue of Native logos and names very seriously," the letter says.

"To me, the Blackhawks logo is one of the best and proudest logos in all of sports. I disagree with the online petition."

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Louie urged the team to keep their jersey and remember they are playing hockey on land claimed as the traditional territory of Okanagan Nation Alliance, anarea is also claimed by the Ktunaxa and Sinixt Nations as part of their traditional territory.

"Your hockey team jersey, your softball jersey, it's at the highest level of respect and honour, if you truly understand what sports is all about," Louie said.

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B.C. hockey team to keep Indigenous logo with approval from nearby First Nation chief

Rossland Warriors logo features Indigenous man wearing a headdress, similar to that of the Chicago Blackhawks

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