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Tsuu T'ina to help update controversial Warriors hockey logo

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Indigenous leaders have been asked to consult on a new emblem for the Northwest Warriors after concerns were raised about a minor hockey team’s logo.

The Crowchild Hockey Association has announced it will “update” the logo in consultation with Tsuu T’ina after the parent of a seven-year-old girl told Postmedia her daughter refused to wear the team’s current jersey featuring a First Nations “warrior” wearing feathers.

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“Northwest Warriors leadership has met with Chief Lee Crowchild of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, and will be working in partnership with the Tsuu T’ina to update the Northwest Warriors logo,” the association said in a statement Friday.

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“We look forward to working with Tsuu T’ina to develop updated imagery honouring Chief David Crowchild while considerate of our members and the communities we serve.”

The current logo was criticized for perpetuating offensive stereotypes about Indigenous people as “bloodthirsty savages,” similar to criticisms levelled at the Chicago Blackhawks, whose logo is nearly identical. 

The association has maintained the current logo, along with the names of the Crowchild Twin Arena and the Crowchild Hockey Association, are intended to honour former Chief David Crowchild.

Tsuu T’ina Chief Lee Crowchild.
Tsuu T’ina Chief Lee Crowchild. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia

According to the association, Tsuu T’ina Chief Lee Crowchild and his family have indicated their support for the continued use of the existing logo until a new one can be implemented.

It may take up to three years for the existing jerseys to be replaced, said Bryan Boechler, president of the Northwest Warriors.

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“The Northwest Warriors is committed to finding ways to speed up the implementation without putting undue financial hardship on our membership,” he said.

The move is not an unprecedented one in Calgary.

In 2014, Western Canada High School dropped the derogatory name ‘Redmen’ from the school’s athletics teams.

The debate over the Warriors’ logo echoes concerns raised about other professional teams accused of misappropriating Indigenous images and names or using derogatory slang. 

“When you’re talking about warriors, it’s perpetuating that stereotype that Indigenous people are bloodthirsty savages and to be feared. That was the justification that was given to create the Indian Act and residential schools,” Mount Royal University professor Jennifer Pettit told Postmedia earlier this month.

“It’s time we move past these outdated mascots. They’re certainly not respectful of Indigenous people or cultures.”

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