as the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Ottawa Red Blacks in CFL action in Regina, SK, September 28, 2024. Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
Green is the colour … with eye-catching variations and flourishes.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ helmets will once again include the CFL team’s all-green Indigenous logo when the B.C. Lions pay a visit on Saturday for the fourth annual kisiskâciwan game (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
In addition, a full-colour version of the logo — also designed by Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation (Treaty 6) — will be showcased as the Club celebrates Indigenous culture.
“Last year was the breakout story of not only my art style, but the potential we have as a province,” Chipak said. “Now this is a full-circle story and somewhat of a reminder of Reconciliation.
“It’s not just something we visit as a one-time thing. It’s something we need to continue to work on and build toward. I feel as though they gave me this as a chance to cross the T’s and dot the I’s with this logo.”
Chipak, a visual artist and illustrator, has also worked with sports organizations such as the Saskatoon Blades, University of Saskatchewan Huskies and NBA Canada.
After a link with the Roughriders was established, there was an instant compatibility between Chipak and the CFL team.
“At first, it was just a black-and-white sketch,” he recalled. “The reason I did that is because colouring an image afterward is kind of like the dessert. I wanted to get the design down first.
“They gave me the thumbs-up and said, ‘We love the drawing. Now let’s get some colour on it.’ ”
Hence the all-green look.
Green (representing grass) is also part of the current colour scheme, along with blue (river), yellow (sun), brown (buffalo), grey (feather tip) and orange (the sky).
Orange is also considered the colour of healing through Truth and Reconciliation.
“With this coloured version, I think it really punches home the shades of orange,” Chipak said.
“I wanted those shades of orange to represent that Reconciliation for everyone is different. We all heal differently and we all take in information differently.
“It’s that reminder that Reconciliation doesn’t just happen overnight. It doesn’t just happen for one group. It needs to be an ‘everyone’ thing.
“With those oranges overlaid in the skyline over top of one another and being parallel, it’s kind of like we all need to be on that same wave for Reconciliation to work.
“When I see that image, it’s those oranges next to the green, blue and yellow, telling the story of the treaties and the promises that were made during the treaties.
“But it’s the oranges for me that really catch my eye.”
The ribbons of orange, also part of the logo, embody how everyone must come together in a journey toward healing.
That is a lot to pack into one dynamic design.
“If someone sat me down and asked me what was all in that logo, man, would be I needing some water!” Chipak said with a chuckle.
A U of S graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree, Chipak is now a teacher in Saskatoon.
His art is a vehicle to promote cultural education in the classroom, in the realm of professional development, and in other endeavours.
The objective is to tell stories visually while fostering and strengthening connections to Indigenous culture.
Merchandise displaying Chipak’s full-colour Indigenous logo is available in The Rider Store.
“It’s pretty cool,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “I’m sure the merch is going to fly off the racks.
“The Indigenous population means so much to the people of this country and I know we champion that here. What a time to celebrate that … and go get your merch, man, because it looks sweet.”
A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will go toward Indigenous initiatives across Saskatchewan, so the logo has far-reaching significance.
“It’s for the Riders and it stays with the Riders,” Chipak said. “It’s kind of a nod to that relationship that we’ve built between the artist and the organization.
“There’s also building that support as well as building community, building networking and bridging together.”
In conjunction with the kisiskâciwan game —presented by SIGA — Indigenous culture will be celebrated during Coors Light Party in the Park. The pre-game festivities at Confederation Park commence on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Those who partake in Party in the Park will be able to enjoy cultural experiences.
For example, First Nations University will play host to a traditional tipi and educational booth.
As well, the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre will provide language and dance instruction.
Throughout Party in the Park and the Roughriders/Lions game, Chipak’s full-colour logo will be conspicuous.
“Kudos to the organization, because they fell in love with it just as much as the whole community did,” Chipak said.
“I’m grateful to them for believing in me and giving me that chance.”
