In homage to Native American communities, the Raptors will sport a new logo

We speak of “Natives”, “Amerindians”, “Natives” or even “Indigenous”, to evoke the different communities from the first inhabitants of the continent of North America before it was colonized by Europeans. Having become an extreme minority in the United States, where the different tribes are herded into reserves, this community had 1.8 million inhabitants in Canada during the last census in 2021, mainly divided into three groups: the “First Nations”, the “ Inuit” and “Métis”.

This Monday, on the occasion of the Milwaukee reception, Toronto will launch an evening of mobilization and awareness through an “Indigenous Heritage Game” in order to pay tribute to them, and participate in the duty of memory around history and customs of the first inhabitants of Canada. To mark the occasion, the Raptors called on artist Luke Swinson, of Anishinaabe origin and member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, to rethink their logo, and the end result is… quite successful!

The story of a community highlighted

The velociraptor traces this time give way to a much more soothing drawing, where the main elements of indigenous culture are present. We can notably see two Native American people playing basketball, but we can also see a river flowing through hills, a sunset and an eagle, with a strong meaning for each element, water and the sun embodying life, while the eagle represents the people's connection with the creator and the spiritual world. We also see a feather, a sign of honor, wisdom and strength.

The set is completed by the four “sacred remedies” (tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass) for the traditional spirit and also to illustrate ritual ceremonies.

“This opportunity means a lot to me. To represent what is important to me and my community through such an iconic and recognizable logo is incredible”, said Luke Swimson. “When I was little, this kind of performance would have filled me with pride and inspiration, and I hope to share that feeling with young indigenous people today.”

The new logo will be exceptionally displayed by the Raptors this Monday evening during the reception of the Bucks. Other tributes and nods will be made on the sidelines of the meeting, such as a special halftime show which will be hosted by Madison Noon, a “native” member of the Raptors dance team.

Toronto will also offer a range of products featuring the ephemeral Raptors logo, with 20% of proceeds being donated to the ENAGB association, which helps young people from the native Canadian community.