The University of Saskatchewan and Huskie Athletics embrace manitchitwin, which is the Cree/Michif translation of 'let us respect each other'. With USask leadership, we are working to create and support collaborative and reciprocal relationships and partnerships with Indigenous people on and off campus. We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.
Huskie Athletics is proud to unveil a new logo during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Week of Reflection, September 25-3, 2023. The image was championed by a group of Indigenous Huskie student-athletes who understand that community, representation, and reconciliation all matter. The concept started when artist Chris Chipak, from Red Pheasant First Nations, artist name inchipakwetrust, posted his version of the Huskie logo on social media. This image resonated with the student-athletes and from there a partnership was formed to bring the image to USask to raise awareness and acknowledge the truth behind the Canadian residential school system on Orange Shirt Day.
Exploring the Imagery
Huskie student-athletes were drawn to the symbolism found within Chris Chipak’s rendition of the Huskie logo. The beautiful imagery helps guide Huskie Athletics' reconciliation journey through the representation of our connectedness to Indigenous peoples and our shared relationship to the land. Huskie Athletics stays committed to acknowledging the truth as we continue working toward reconciliation.
Four Circles – Four aspects of the medicine wheel. Reminder to carry a holistic approach throughout your journey.
Butterfly – Represents a new beginning and hope for a better future.
Heart – Used to build connections, community, and a sense of belonging.
Treaty Symbolism – Homage to the promise of the treaties; as long as the sun shines, grass grows, and river flows.
Metis Infinity Symbol – Represents the Metis Peoples, the faith that shall live forever and the unity of two cultures.
Feather – The ultimate gift you can receive in First Nations Culture. Represents the celebration of a full life from infancy to the elderly.
Treaty Six – Six dots represent the Treaty 6 land which USask is located on.
Inukshuk – Represents the Inuit; symbolizes guidance, navigation and respect.
Huskie Athletics Indigenous Student-Athlete Group
In the fall of 2022, Huskie Athletics began working with a group of self-identified Indigenous student-athletes and alumni. The group works towards creating actionable reconciliation for Huskie student-athletes, coaches, and administration. Their voices at the table have brought Indigenous language and song into Huskie Athletics, through the playing of the Metis anthem and singing of the national anthem in Cree at Huskie events. They've amplified their voices to create spaces and educational opportunities for cultural experiences within Huskie Athletics and among their peers. They continue to be leaders in the community by giving back hundreds of hours to Residential School Survivors, First Nation and Metis communities, coaching and inspiring young people to follow in their footsteps of resiliency.
There is a long road to travel along the path to reconciliation as there continues to be barriers to participation of Indigenous people in sport, Huskie Athletics and the Indigenous student-athletes are working in a unique relationship of mutual partnership to break down the barriers that do exist. The strength of the groups comes from trust, relationships, and respect, all of which are values that build the strongest of teams. Huskie Athletics continues to be engaged and supports one another through listening, learning, and connecting.
Manifest Academic Growth Promoting Indigenous Excellence (MAGPIE)
With leadership from an Indigenous track and field alumni, Huskie Athletics, Nutana Collegiate, and Discover Saskatoon developed a partnership that would provide the opportunity for student-athletes and youth to interact in an authentic way. The program saw Candace Gadwa teach her students in the Manifest Academic Growth Promoting Indigenous Excellence (MAGPIE) program at Nutana to teach beading. A month later, 91 Huskie student-athletes, coaches, and administration were welcomed into their learning environment to be taught this same craft.
It took many hands and community support to produce 800 lanyards in three months to be presented to the participants in the 2023 U SPORTS Track & Field Championship being held in Saskatoon, SK. This partnership saw the development of a dedicated the development of a dedicated Indigenous beading program at Nutana Collegiate enabling young people to:
- Learn about their culture in support of preservation, revitalization and strength
- Experience mentorship opportunities with Huskie student-athletes in the program
- Share their story with the nation
- Have the program continue after the championship until the end of the school year
Reciprocally, the 91 Huskie Athletics participants in this program received:
- Education on the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada
- Cultural teachings about Indigenous art in support of preservation and revitalization
- Practice patience, understanding and appreciation for the time that artists spend on their craft
- A connection to their own work
Huskie Athletics and the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League
Huskie Athletics is a proud partner of the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League (LSIBL). LSIBL provides opportunities for Indigenous youth throughout the province, builds capacity of certified coaches and officials, and fosters teamwork, collaboration and social skills. This partnership allows opportunities for Indigenous youth to develop their skills and provide mentorship to young basketball athletes.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
#87 - We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports hall of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.
#88 - We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.
#89 - We call upon the federal government ot amend the
Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport sytem, are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.
#90 - We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sport policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:
i. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal peoples.
ii. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
iii. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sport officials that are currently relevant for Aboriginal peoples.
iv. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.
#91 - We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous peoples' territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.
What the work Huskies is doing towards the TRC Calls to Action means to me:
"As a Niitsitapi cross-country athlete, Huskie Athletics has given me the opportunity to represent both my school and my community. Specifically, the Dakota Classic Race hosted at Whitecap Dakota First Nation means a lot to me because it shows how reconciliation is moving forward in our community. Reconciliation happens when communities come together and build each other up. The events at Dakota Classic show how communities can come together to celebrate each other and build meaningful and strong connections. At the Dakota Classic, I will proudly wear the Huskie logo on an orange singlet and race for my school, my team, my family and my community."
Jaira Cross Child, Huskie Cross Country
"Being a Huskies alumus, seeing the work Huskie Athletics is doing to answer the TRC’s Calls to Action makes me proud of the work the Indigenous student-athletes are doing to create change. Representation matters, acknowledging truth matters, honouring survivors and redressing historical trauma by listening to and creating space for Indigenous student-athletes matters. Huskie Athletics is amplifying Indigenous voices and moving towards reconciliation in a good way. This is significant."
Craig McCallum, Huskie Hockey Alumni
