Indigenous former pro hockey player not offended by Vancouver Canucks logo

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While he welcomes the renewed discussion around Indigenous art and cultural appropriation, an Indigenous former pro hockey player says he doesn’t see a problem with the Vancouver Canucks’ current logo.

The C-shaped whale logo includes elements of Haida design. Neither the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh — on whose unceded territory the team operates — have expressed any problem with it. Nor has the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Peter Leech of the T’it’q’et First Nation says while the logo has “touches of Indigenous art,” he feels it isn’t a symbol that’s considered cultural appropriation.

“In some people’s eyes it would be a major issue. I don’t think it is. Most importantly because it isn’t really an issue for Musqueam, Squamish, or Tsleil-Waututh Nations — if it’s an issue for them then it would be an issue for the Canucks,” he says.

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Leech thinks the Canucks have made some good first steps when it comes to Indigenous issues.

“Do they have problems? Sure. But I think overall they’ve developed a good rapport and a good relationship with Indigenous people.”

Francesco Aquilini, Chief Operating Officer of Canucks Sports & Entertainment – which owns the team — says they understand not everyone has embraced the logo but points out many have — “including our First Nations friends.”

“We’re grateful for this show of support and all the positive feedback we’ve received,” Aquilini says.

Below is the official statement from the Canucks sent to NEWS 1130:

On behalf of Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Canucks Sports & Entertainment:
“We consult with the First Nations on many issues around our teams and businesses, and value their wise counsel. (Most recently, we collaborated on the Vancouver Warriors lacrosse team branding.) We understand that not everyone embraces the Canucks logo but are very pleased that so many people do, including our First Nations friends. We’re grateful for this show of support, and all the positive feedback we’ve received.”

On Behalf of the Three Host Nations Chiefs of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations:
“We feel it is important to come forward and make a statement highlighting the long-standing relationship between the host nations and the Vancouver Canucks as well as the Aquilini family. For over a decade we have worked side-by-side to build a long and meaningful relationship based on respect and family-to-family values. The Aquilini family has supported the communities by honouring the Nations, creating space in their organization for our people, and ensuring the nations are represented in their events. Our Nations appreciate the work they do and their friendship. We will continue to strengthen this relationship and support their endeavors through the ever-changing times.”

On behalf of Trent Carroll, Chief Operating Officer, Canucks Sports & Entertainment:
“The Vancouver Canucks and the Aquilini family respect and admire the First Nations people of British Columbia and are grateful for our many meaningful personal and professional relationships. We are in continuous dialogue on many aspects of our various businesses, including branding and logos. As an example, most recently we collaborated on the Vancouver Warriors lacrosse team branding. The Aquilini family has also worked closely with local Nations on a wide range of development projects and other opportunities for decades. The Orca logo has been on a Canucks jersey longer than any other logo in team history and has many supporters from across BC, including our First Nations friends. The majority of feedback has been very positive over the past few days and we look forward to many more years of strong relationships with First Nations communities across BC.”

– With files from Ash Kelly