New Indigenous culture for Lethbridge College Kodiaks logo

The Lethbridge College Kodiaks unveiled a new Indigenous logo earlier today. The logo still features the familiar Kodiaks bear but has now incorporated Indigenous elements and culture into it. The college is now the first in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association to bring in Indigenous culture and designs into its gymnasium. Lowell Yellow Horn, the Indigenous Services Manager for the college says there are two Indigenous words that are now decorating the gym floor and he explained the significance of what each word means.

“Ohkotoki’aahkkoiyiiniimaan. That refers to Stone Pipe in the Blackfoot language. The essence behind that name it was transferred to Lethbridge College in a traditional Blackfoot format. It refers to kicking off the education process. Aikowania refers to body language and body movement in the Blackfoot mindset. It’s about being able to read and understand the way that a person carries themselves. For our athletics and our Kodiaks at Lethbridge College that’s an important part of the competitive process in sports is that you have to be able to understand your opponent and be able to read their body language.”

The new design will also be worked into future uniforms for the student-athletes at Lethbridge College.