Titan unveil special Indigenous Celebration Jerseys
BATHURST, N.B. – The Acadie-Bathurst Titan are pleased to announce a new initiative highlighting the rich and beautiful culture of the region’s Indigenous community, while also strengthening its relationship with its friends at Pabineau First Nation.
For the first time in the team’s 25-year history, the Titan will take to the ice wearing a special jersey honouring Pabineau First Nation. The logo design was a collaboration between Pabineau First Nation Mi’gmaq artists Phyllis Grant and Felicia Mae Galbraith.
On Friday, March 10, when the Titan hosts the Halifax Mooseheads at 7 p.m., they will celebrate the new jersey and its relationship with the Pabineau First Nation community. Pre-game ceremonies will include Pabineau First Nation Chief Terry Richardson, dropping the puck alongside Pabineau First Nation Council Members, with Grant and Galbraith.
“We are proud to have Pabineau First Nation partner with us for such an amazing initiative. Not only are the jerseys stunning artistically, the meaning behind the logo, is inspiring, beautiful and humbling. We cannot wait for our fans to celebrate the night with all of us, and to continue this partnership for years to come”, said Titan Foundation Coordinator Bryannah James.
“We were honoured when Pabineau First Nation was approached to design a one-time worn jersey for the Titan. We are happy that we are able to support the Titan in any capacity we can. We are all living in northern NB, and it is important to be inclusive to all that are living in this great part of the province,” said Pabineau First Nation Chief, Terry Richardson. “We are very fortunate to have many talented individuals in the arts in our community and they are always willing to step forward and strengthen our relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Together, we are strong!”
The beautifully drawn logo features the Mi’gmaw double curve motif representing the journey from life to death, an eastern/grey wolf surrounded by the forest and protected by Grandmother Moon. Seven stars in the background symbolize seven generations and the care for the future, as well as First Nations ancestors who are always with us. The wolf represents humility, teamwork, agility, leadership, and camaraderie. The wolf is pointing out its location in time, depicting where we are right now in terms of strengthening friendships and community relations. The double curves hold the medicines and knowledge we need to continue to move forward in harmony.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this design for the hockey jersey, as it has given me the chance to pass on Mi’gmaw art to my daughter Felicia, as well as celebrate the diversity and interconnection of our communities in the region,” said artist Phyllis Grant.
“I am very happy to be working on a creative project with my mother, and to use my digital art skills for my community and culture,” said Felicia Mae Galbraith.
Following the game, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan will host an online auction, where the public will have the opportunity to bid on one of these stunning and meaningful jerseys.
