McMaster University has introduced a new Indigenous iteration of its Marauder logo, merging Indigenous symbolism with the university’s athletic tradition 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 symbols with McMaster’s established athletics identity. Inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the design features an eagle as its centerpiece, symbolizing love that extends beyond oneself to community and creation, along with a connection to the Creator. The incorporation of Woodland-style “spirit lines” represents the flow of spirit and the intergenerational bonds between people and their ancestors.
For Indigenous student athlete Seth Cabezas, who is Anishinaabe and Métis from Treaty 9 territory and studying Indigenous studies and history, the new logo holds significant personal value, reflecting an essential aspect of his identity that is often overlooked. As a co-president of ISAC, Cabezas aims to foster a sense of community for Indigenous athletes at McMaster. Chrissy Doolittle, the ISS director, emphasized that the logo serves as a crucial visual representation of the Indigenous community within the university, offering a unique symbol of unity and inclusivity for Indigenous student-athletes and the broader Indigenous community.
Unveiled during McMaster’s truth and reconciliation soccer event, coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the new logo was showcased on custom jerseys designed by Joedicke for the women’s and men’s soccer teams. Joedicke, renowned for his self-taught artistry inspired by Haudenosaunee stories and cultural teachings, aims to provide Indigenous students and community members with a sense of ownership on campus through the logo. The project serves as a milestone for Joedicke, highlighting the importance of cultural representation and inclusivity, especially for Indigenous individuals in urban environments.
The logo has sparked increased interest among students in learning about ISAC and engaging with the group, demonstrating its role in inspiring Indigenous youth to pursue higher education without fear or shame. Keenan Jeppesen, McMaster’s athletics and recreation director, acknowledged that while the logo signifies progress in enhancing McMaster’s Indigenous community experience, it is just one step in a broader initiative toward truth and reconciliation. McMaster remains committed to listening, learning, and contributing to furthering the university’s role in truth and reconciliation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all community members.