New version of McMaster Marauder logo aims to uplift Indigenous athletes and celebrate success, says student

A new Indigenous version of McMaster University's Marauder logo blends Indigenous symbolism with the Hamilton university's tradition in a bid to foster belonging and reconciliation, the school says.

The logo, which incorporates Indigenous patterns and symbolism with McMaster's "athletics identity," was developed by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke, with input from the Indigenous Student-Athlete Council (ISAC), Indigenous Student Services (ISS) and the Equity and Inclusion Office, said the university.

The design — with an eagle as the focal point — blends Indigenous patterns and symbolism with the school's longstanding athletics identity, a McMaster news release said.

Joedicke said his design was inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

"In that teaching, the eagle represents love — not just for oneself or one's family, but an unconditional love that extends to community and creation. The eagle is also a symbol of connection to the Creator," he said in the news release. The design also incorporates Woodland-style "spirit lines," to convey the flow of spirit and the bonds linking people with their ancestors and knowledge through the generations.

For Indigenous student athlete Seth Cabezas, the new logo "represents a really big part of who I am and a part that I'm really proud of that isn't necessarily showcased other places." 

Cabezas, who's Anishinaabe and Métis from Treaty 9 territory, is a baseball player in his fourth year of studying Indigenous studies and history.

He's also co-president and one of the co-founders of the ISAC, which seeks to create community for Indigenous athletes at McMaster.

ISS director Chrissy Doolittle said the logo design is an important visual representation of the Indigenous