Posted on by Guest Writer
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS INDIGENOUS LOGO
08
Jan

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS UNVEIL NEW INDIGENOUS-INSPIRED LOGO AND HOST INDIGENOUS CELEBRATION GAME ON JANUARY 11

The Maple Leafs unveiled a new, Indigenous-inspired logo to honour the meaningful impacts of Indigenous peoples in our community. The logo was redesigned in partnership with Jennifer Taback of Design de Plume. Taback is an Anishinaabe-kwe artist and visual storyteller from Shawanaga First Nation who utilized her own personal life experiences and community inspiration for her reimagination of the iconic Toronto Maple Leaf.

“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,” said Jennifer Tabak. “As an Anishinaabe-kwe from Shawanaga First Nation, I’m passionate about showcasing our cultural and visual storytelling through design and art. Our artistic style emphasizes line work and the iconography of meaningful symbols, and it was fascinating to blend both traditional and Western elements.”

The logo’s design is a collection of symbols that reflect Tabak’s experiences, community and meaningful stories as an urban Indigenous person. The shades of blue represent the waters of Georgian Bay and the essential role that water plays in everyone’s lives. Other notable elements include the beaded Maple Leaf as well as the o’demiin (strawberries) beneath it, embodying the teachings of love and the importance of a strong heart. The artist also included two medicines, sweetgrass, cedar along with a dreamcatcher honouring her parents, who have always encouraged her to follow her own path. At the center of the logo is a turtle, representing Turtle Island, the land we all share.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will host their annual Indigenous Celebration Game presented by Mastercard on Saturday, January 11 when they take on the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. and are proud to use this platform to amplify and celebrate Indigenous culture in our city and surrounding communities.

Fans can expect the following special experiences:

  • Game Presentation
    • In-stadium signage takeover with Indigenous-inspired creative.
    • Welcome message from Chief Claire Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
    • An Indigenous youth skater will be involved as part of the pre-game opening ceremony.
    • First intermission performance from Theland Kicknosway, an Indigenous hoop dancer.
  • Digital Platforms
    • Use of the Toronto Maple Leafs Indigenous-inspired logo and creative in game day graphics.
    • Game day content on Maple Leafs social channels highlighting the special elements at the game, including an artist spotlight video and a piece celebrating head coach Craig Berube’s Indigenous background.
  • Community Engagement
    • MLSE Foundation partnering with ENAGB, a youth agency focused on providing cultural, employment, life skills, holistic wellness and recreational opportunities to youth.
    • Local First Nations Chiefs and community partners to attend the game, including Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL), Armstrong Hockey, Toronto Fire Council and more.
    • In partnership with the Maple Leafs, Mastercard will provide tickets and highlight Indigenous small businesses at the game as part of their commitment to support the Indigenous community, with a focus on empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and power an inclusive digital economy.
  • Additional Celebrations
    • Proceeds from MLSE Foundation’s 50/50 lottery to support youth facing barriers in Ontario, through organizations like ENAGB.
    • Toronto Maple Leafs hoodies with the Indigenous-inspired logo to be made available both online and in-venue at Real Sports Apparel starting January 8 with 20 per cent of net proceeds donated to ENAGB through MLSE Foundation.
    • Additional retail collection items available to fans including a puck, pin and patch.
    • A limited quantity of Toronto Maple Leafs Indigenous practice jerseys to be signed and auctioned at auctions.realsports.ca. All proceeds from auction to benefit ENAGB through MLSE Foundation.
    • Partnering with Dashmaawaan Bemaaddzinjin, an innovative Indigenous catering company using profits to support Indigenous seniors and unhoused individuals, on a feature item to be available at Gate 4, Section 106, where they will receive 100 per cent of proceeds from sales.
    • Indigenous food specials in all Scotiabank Arena clubs and E11even.
Guest Writer