Ottawa, Ont. - Softball Canada is honored to unveil a new Indigenous-designed logo, marking a meaningful step in our journey toward reconciliation and inclusive representation in softball. This logo launch follows a dedicated three-year process that centered around consultations with the Softball Canada’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, a focus group of Indigenous softball community members and artists. Together, the logo was created to ensure that the design would embody authenticity, respect, and inclusivity. Today, we are proud to present this logo, which represents not only a symbol of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation but also our dedication to celebrating Indigenous voices and cultures within the softball community.

The design was created by ‘Namgis First Nations Artist, Jamin Zuroski, with support from Métis Artist Mallory Blondeau and Inuit Artist Jessica Winters. Jamin, of ‘Namgis First Nation and Polish descent, is deeply immersed in Indigenous art and design. With more than 25 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to honing, practicing, and sharing his craft, creating art that captures the richness and beauty of First Nations culture for audiences across Canada and beyond. The collaborative spirit of this design speaks to the strength of Indigenous cultures and the unifying power of art in sport.

This new logo stands as a reminder of our commitment to reconciliation and our dedication to providing an inclusive space for Indigenous players, fans, and communities across the country.

Dakotah Pratt – Softball Canada DEI Committee member

In the words of Dakotah Pratt, a proud member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation located in Southern Manitoba and the founder of Mustangs Fastpitch, this new Indigenous logo represents a profound step forward for Indigenous athletes and the softball community. Dakotah, whose life has been deeply intertwined with the sport, speaks to how softball has served as a pillar of strength and community in her life. “Softball has been an extension of character building for me, allowing me to share important lessons and life skills with the next generation,” she explains. For Dakotah, the sport has been more than a game; it has been a lifeline through challenging times, providing a supportive community that resonates with Indigenous values of collaboration and reciprocity.

Dakotah also sees this logo as a beacon for the empowerment of Indigenous youth, a reminder of the resilience within each player. She stresses the essential role sport plays in fostering inclusion, particularly for Indigenous youth who face unique challenges stemming from intergenerational trauma and socioeconomic barriers. Through community-based sports initiatives, youth gain confidence, set goals, and develop life skills that will serve them both on and off the field.

As a member of Softball Canada’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, Dakotah emphasizes that the creation of this logo was a collective journey that involved meaningful conversations and insights from Indigenous communities across Canada. For Dakotah, this logo not only honors the Indigenous athletes who have paved the way but also stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit our ancestors envisioned. She hopes it will inspire unity and respect, celebrating the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures while fostering understanding and inclusion within the wider softball community.

“For me pushing for Indigenous representation was important because it is a way to honour all Indigenous athletes in Softball before me who paved the way for our generation, and now is the time to work in collaboration for a stronger future. Unity is a vision our ancestors prayed for and to achieve unity we must be able to work collectively.” - Dakotah Pratt