FILE PHOTO - Kelowna Chiefs goaltender Tyler O’Donnell is seen in thus undated file photo.
Image Credit: Contributed/Dunsmoor Creative
April 03, 2022 - 12:30 PM
A Kelowna hockey club is showing its support for the local Indigenous community by showcasing syilx artistic talent.
The Kelowna Chiefs, part of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, is accepting submissions from syilx/Okanagan artists for a new logo that will be used on the hockey team’s alternative jerseys during special games during the 2022/23 season.
With recent events happening in the world, and the conversation around using Indigenous names and symbols, the Chiefs met with the Westbank First Nation to ensure they were still OK with using the Chiefs' name and brand, the hockey club's president Jason Tansem said.
The First Nation told the hockey club it was fine with the brand and through those discussions, came up with the idea for a third jersey. The design will be created by a syilx/Okanagan artist answering the question: What does the word Chief mean to you?
The front of the mock-up design for the Kelowna Chiefs 2022/23 regular season jersey.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Jason Tansem
The top three designs will be chosen by the hockey club and will be shared across social media channels to be voted on by syilx members and hockey fans. The winning artist will receive $1,500 and a commemorative jersey featuring their design.
Artists have until June 15 to submit their logo designs. Next season, the Chiefs will also have Westbank First Nation logos on their regular jerseys and will have “every child matters” inscribed on the back of the neckline.
The slogan has become a rallying cry for Indigenous peoples across Canada after the discovery of 215 unmarked children’s graves at the former Kamloops Residential School site.
READ MORE: Discovery of unmarked graves selected as Canada's news story of the year: CP poll
The special jerseys with the Syilx design will be worn roughly 15 times throughout the year, Tansem said.
For more information on special jersey design and to submit your design, visit the Westbank First Nation website here.
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