Lethbridge College unveils new Indigenous logo

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 10, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke The new logo on the gym floor at the college.

Lethbridge College unveiled its new Indigenous logo on the floor of the Val Matteotti Gymnasium Friday. The homecourt of the Kodiaks is now the first institution in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association to incorporate Indigenous culture into its gymnasium. The logo includes the familiar Kodiak bear with Indigenous images, designs, and words. Aikowania is written on one side of the court next to the painted bear, referring to body awareness and movement. While “Welcome to Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan” is written on the other side of the court, referring to the college’s Blackfoot name, stone pipe.

“This is one small step to a vison coming true. What we’ve been able to do, working with the Indigenous services team has been amazing. The grandfathers stepping in and adding their advice and knowledge, has been a learning road that I cannot wait to keep traveling,” said Todd Caughlin, manager of Kodiaks Athletics. “One thing I’ve learned, in the Blackfoot culture whenever an Indigenous artist puts something together, they don’t want to make it too lifelike. Because the fear is that it’ll actually come to life.”

“This Kodiaks unveiling and gym naming ceremony was a beautiful acknowledgement to the Blackfoot confederacy. We are honoring the culture and fusing the cultural importance of those teachings into all the aspects that are important here at Lethbridge College,” said Lowell Yellow Horn, Manager of Indigenous Services at the College. In regards to the name Yellow Horn says it’s about being able to understand the way a person carries themselves and relates to the athletics at the College. “That’s an important part of the competitive process in sports. You have to be able to understand your opponent and be able to read their body language and how they are carrying themselves.”

Peter Weasel Moccasin, Lethbridge College’s Kaahsinnoonok, grandparent, was at the ceremony speaking towards the importance of the logo and significance to Indigenous culture. Saying the logo’s representation was true to the Blackfoot Culture and a great way to represent both culture and sport.

Brad Donaldson, the new president for the College, spoke to how the event was a great way to start his first week. Saying the event speaks towards truth and reconciliation and building a better way for the college to grow.

“The body posture, always being ready to protect what’s yours, now the Kodiak’s have that ability to do that. It’s a small, but we are proud to be on Blackfoot territory, and every student athlete can now wear the logo, and we can’t wait for the season to begin,” said Caughlin.