New Maple Leafs logo celebrates Indigenous Heritage

TORONTO, Jauary 11, 2025 – The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host their Indigenous Celebration Game on January 11, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena, showcasing a specially designed logo that honours Indigenous culture. This initiative is part of the team’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Indigenous communities to hockey and Canadian society.

A Symbolic Design

The commemorative logo, crafted by Anishinaabe artist Jennifer Taback from Shawanaga First Nation, reimagines the iconic Maple Leaf’s emblem through the lens of Indigenous artistry. Taback’s design incorporates traditional symbols and line work, blending cultural storytelling with the team’s identity. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s an exciting opportunity to reimagine such a well-known logo and share my interpretation with both my community and the Maple Leafs’ community.”

Limited-edition Indigenous Celebration Merchandise and Community Support

In conjunction with the event, the Maple Leafs have released a limited-edition Indigenous Celebration Hoodie, available for purchase both in-store and online at Real Sports Apparel. Notably, 20% of the net proceeds from these sales will be donated to the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, an organization dedicated to providing cultural, employment, life skills, holistic wellness, and recreational opportunities to Indigenous youth aged 12-29.

Game Day Festivities

The celebration extends beyond the logo and merchandise. During the game, attendees will experience performances by Indigenous artists, including a traditional hoop dance by Theland Kicknosway, a renowned Indigenous youth trailblazer from the Potawatomi and Cree Nations.

Additionally, fans can savour Indigenous-inspired cuisine, such as a bison kofta wrap served by Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin (They Feed the People), a Toronto-based catering collective supporting Indigenous seniors and vulnerable community members.

Ongoing Commitment

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Indigenous Celebration Game is a testament to the organization’s dedication to amplifying and celebrating Indigenous culture within the city and surrounding communities. By supporting local Indigenous artists, vendors, and youth, the team acknowledges the deep history of Indigenous peoples and strives to uplift their stories and contributions, both past and present.

Fans are encouraged to visit the official Maple Leafs Culture page for more information on the Indigenous Celebration Game and related initiatives.

by Ryan Howse-Hackl

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