Winnipeg Jets unveil jerseys with Indigenous-styled logo for upcoming campaign

Representatives from the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose hockey teams unveiledspecial jerseys bearing Indigenous-styled logos on Friday that theplayers will wear next week.

The jerseys arepart of the second annual Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) Night hosted by the Jets and the Follow Your Dreams Day hosted by the Moose.

The Jets jerseys are warm-up jerseys and they will be worn by the players on Jan.17during the pre-game skate, while the Manitoba Moose will wear their special jerseys for the full game on Jan. 18.

"It's pretty surreal to me," said Leticia Spence, the woman who designed the logos.

Spence, who is from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, has been doing graphic design for close to four yearsand made the design last year for True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Jets and the American Hockey League's Moose.

The Indigenous appreciation campaign is a part of the NHL's "This is Hockey" initiative which aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness in hockey.

The jersey unveiling at the Neeginan Centre in Winnipeg was attended by Indigenous students and WASAC participants. During the announcement, WASAC co-founder Kevin Chief urged the students to be proud of their Indigenous ancestry.

He said the proceeds of all Indigenous-themed merchandise sales gotoward Indigenous youth activities.

Funds raised from the first WASACNight and Follow Your Dreams Day last year went to WASAC to supportthis year's events for youth surrounding the campaign.

According to Chief, the campaign isexpected to bring close to 60 students from northern Manitoba First Nations to attend a weekend of activities in February.The events will includegetting a chance to visit cultural locations throughout Winnipeg, as well as giving youththechance to skate with Indigenous hockey role models like Olympian Brigette Lacquette.

"It's [going to be] a weekend of learning and celebrating Indigenous culture and pride," said Chief.

He said there are hopes to have an officialIndigenous-themed NHL Jets jersey by next year, but said that it will be up to the NHL.