The Toronto Raptors are hosting their annual Indigenous Heritage Game on Jan. 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This theme has become increasingly popular amongst NBA teams through the recent years. Notably for Toronto, they are looking to make this game a special moment of their season.
For the first time, the Raptors unveiled an Indigenous-inspired logo ahead of their game against Milwaukee. This logo was designed by Luke Swinson, who is a Kitchener-based Indigenous artist, per Blake Murphy of Sportsnet:
The Raptors have unveiled a new Indigenous-inspired logo.
It was designed with Kitchener-based Indigenous artist Luke Swinson.
Jan. 6 game is the Raptors annual Indigenous Heritage Game with activations/etc around the arena/in-game presentation. pic.twitter.com/Wwt2y2GXjA
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) January 2, 2025
For an artist to get this kind of opportunity to create an alternate logo for an NBA team is a massive one. Swinson spoke about what it meant to create something that holds dear to his heart, via Sportsnet:
“This opportunity means so much to me. Representing what’s important to me and my community through such an iconic and recognizable logo is incredible. “Growing up, seeing this kind of representation would have filled me with such pride and inspiration, and I hope to share that feeling with Indigenous youth of today.”
This is a classy move by the Raptors to make this game become more inclusive and involve those of indigenous-heritage to have an opportunity to display their talents.
Perhaps, this sort of involvement is the first of many to give other artists a chance to showcase their skills. Also, to continue to grow their Indigenous Heritage Game to make it a staple for years to come.
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