McMaster University has unveiled an Indigenous-inspired version of its Marauder logo, merging Indigenous symbolism with the university’s athletic heritage to promote inclusivity and reconciliation. The logo, crafted by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke in collaboration with the Indigenous Student-Athlete Council (ISAC), Indigenous Student Services (ISS), and the Equity and Inclusion Office, integrates Indigenous patterns and imagery with McMaster’s traditional athletic identity. Inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the design centers around an eagle symbolizing love and connection to the community and the Creator. Additionally, it incorporates Woodland-style “spirit lines” representing the flow of spirit and the ties between people, ancestors, and knowledge across generations.
For Indigenous student athlete Seth Cabezas, the new logo holds personal significance, reflecting a part of his identity that he takes pride in. As an Anishinaabe and Métis student studying Indigenous studies and history, Cabezas finds the logo to be a representation of his cultural heritage that is often overlooked elsewhere. He is also actively involved in ISAC, where he helps create a supportive community for Indigenous athletes at McMaster.
Chrissy Doolittle, director of ISS, emphasized the importance of the logo as a visual representation of the Indigenous community within McMaster. By Indigenizing the Marauder logo, Indigenous student athletes and the broader Indigenous community can better identify with McMaster’s symbol of athletic pride and inclusivity.
The introduction of the new logo coincided with the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and was showcased during a soccer doubleheader event at McMaster. Joedicke’s design was featured on custom jerseys worn by the women’s and men’s teams, highlighting his distinctive woodland art style. Doolittle, a Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, sees the National Day as an opportunity for non-Indigenous members of the McMaster community to engage in learning and understanding the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and build genuine relationships with the Indigenous community.
Joedicke, drawing from Haudenosaunee stories and cultural teachings, sees the logo project as a means of empowering Indigenous students and community members to feel a sense of belonging on campus. Through his artistry and collaboration with various organizations and sports teams, Joedicke aims to create a positive impact within the Indigenous community and beyond.
Cabezas noted that the new logo has sparked increased interest in ISAC among students, fostering a sense of resilience and unity within the Indigenous community. He emphasized the importance of inspiring Indigenous youth to pursue higher education without fear or shame, highlighting the logo and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as symbols of cultural strength and perseverance.
McMaster’s athletics and recreation director, Keenan Jeppesen, acknowledged that the logo is just one step in the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of McMaster’s Indigenous community. Recognizing the continuous work needed for truth and reconciliation, Jeppesen affirmed McMaster’s commitment to listening, learning, and contributing to the process. The logo serves as a bridge to invite community members in and further McMaster’s role in promoting truth and reconciliation initiatives.
