Softball Canada has unveiled their new Indigenous-inspired logo, designed by Victoria-based Namgis artist Jamin Zuroski, who has also designed a logo for Canada Soccer and the medals for the 2024 Ironman Triathalon.
According to a news release, Softball Canada followed a three-year process centred around consultations with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, a focus group of Indigenous softball community members and artists. Zuroski was supported by fellow artists Mallory Blondeau and Jessica Winters.
"We are proud to present this logo, which represents not only a symbol of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation but also our dedication to celebrating Indigenous voices and cultures within the softball community," noted the release. "[Zuroski] has dedicated his life to honing, practicing, and sharing his craft, creating art that captures the richness and beauty of First Nations culture for audiences across Canada and beyond. The collaborative spirit of this design speaks to the strength of Indigenous cultures and the unifying power of art in sport."
The logo features a turtle design and includes symbols for Turtle Island, Metis Peoples, First Nations, Inuit Peoples, Indigenous protocol tools and the national softball community.
“For me pushing for Indigenous representation was important because it is a way to honour all Indigenous athletes in softball before me who paved the way for our generation, and now is the time to work in collaboration for a stronger future. Unity is a vision our ancestors prayed for and to achieve unity we must be able to work collectively," noted Dakotah Pratt, a Softball Canada DEI Committee member, in the release.
