The Lethbridge College Kodiaks unveiled new Indigenous jerseys as part of Truth and Reconciliation Week activities in September.
Just over a year ago, the Kodiaks revealed a new Indigenous logo, gym floor and the name Aikowania, which refers to body awareness and movement – the strength, stamina and sharp mind needed to be able to spring into action at a moment’s notice. The new jerseys, which are worn for special occasions including home openers, include the following words and images:
• OKI
Blackfoot language for hello.
• AIKOWANIA BEAR LOGO
Lethbridge College is proud to have hired artist Monte Eagle Plume to design the Aikowania bear using traditional Blackfoot painting methods.
• PENDLETON PATTERN
The detailing on the sides of the jersey and shorts is reminiscent of a Pendleton blanket and was contributed by Multimedia Production student Raven Tailfeathers.
• MOUNTAIN DETAIL
Shown on the belt and on the floor of our home court, it symbolizes the Blackfoot territory we call home.
• SSPOMITAPIIKSI (STAR PEOPLE)
The icons on the upper back of the jersey represent the cosmos where the kakato’siiksi (stars) and Sspomitapiiksi (Star People) live. Ipiso’wahsi (Morning Star/Venus) with the Ihkitsikamm (Seven Stars/Big Dipper), and the Miohpokoyiiksi (Lost Children/ The Pleiades) are part of a large celestial family. We are all made of stars.
