Kitchener, Ont. artist designs new Raptors logo for Indigenous Heritage Game

The Raptors unveiled a reimagined, Indigenous-inspired logo created by Kitchener, Ont. artist Luke Swinson. (Supplied)

The Toronto Raptors have unveiled a reimaged Indigenous-inspired logo, created by Kitchener, Ont. visual artist Luke Swinson.

The logo will be displayed on jerseys and merchandise during Monday’s Indigenous Heritage Game, paying homage to the resilience and enduring spirit of Indigenous Peoples.

Swinson has Anishinaabe roots and is a member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

“This opportunity means so much to me. Representing what’s important to me and my community through such an iconic and recognizable logo is incredible,” said Swinson, in a media release. “Growing up, seeing this kind of representation would have filled me with such pride and inspiration and I hope to share that feeling with Indigenous youth of today.”

Swinson describes the piece as having a central focus on Indigenous joy as the top of the redesigned logo showcases the happiness experienced by two Indigenous People playing basketball.

Below the two figures is a river flowing over hills as the sun sets and an eagle flies above.

For Indigenous People, water represents life and the Grandfather Sun is life-giving while the eagle represents the Indigenous connection to Creator and spiritual world.

The logo also incorporates a feather symbolizing honour, wisdom, strength and closeness to Creator.

The four sacred medicines of tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass are woven into the logo and represent the traditions and ceremonies that are vital to Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

The Toronto Raptors will host their annual Indigenous Heritage Game on Jan. 6 when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Scotiabank Arena at 7:30 p.m.

Fans can expect a special halftime performance from Madison Noon, an Indigenous member of the Raptors’ dance team.

There will also be an artist spotlight video focused on Swinson.