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Starting today, CFL teams across the country will be using in different ways redesigned logos created by Indigenous artists.
The logos are one of many steps teams are taking to recognize Indigenous community members and celebrate Indigenous cultures with Saturday being National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The tragedies of the past cannot be forgotten, especially when the impacts of those actions on Indigenous families, children and communities continues on,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
“We stand with the entire Canadian football community and all Canadians in focusing on the future of reconciliation and supporting the healing process by spreading awareness, deepening our relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, and encouraging reflective and productive dialogue.
In total, six teams have unveiled the logos, four of which are hosting home games. The Calgary Stampeders will on the road this weekend, while the Edmonton Elks have a bye week.
The resigned team logos will appear on various forms of merchandise at the games, with the proceeds from associated merchandise being donated.
"League-wide, all dressed players will sport orange and white pre-game jerseys in a unified acknowledgement of the tragedies of residential schools and as an unequivocal show of support for survivors and their families,” explains a CFL news release.
Some of the jerseys will then be raffled or auctioned, with all proceeds being donated to Indigenous communities and initiatives. Other jerseys will be donated directly to community members and organizations.
The names behind the creations of the logos include:
Teams will also be hosting a wide variety of performances, ceremonies, events, community visits, orange shirt giveaways and much more.
The long weekend starts with the BC Lions taking on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bomber hosting the Toronto Argonauts tonight.
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