The Calgary Stampeders will wear orange jerseys during the pre-game warmup and a specially designed logo on their helmets when they travel to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats on Saturday, Sept. 30 – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important part of the acknowledgment of the tragedies of the past and the ongoing process of atonement and healing,” said Stampeders president John Hufnagel. “The Calgary Stampeders are proud to partner with the people of Treaty 7 and the Canadian Football League to participate in this observance.”

Designed by Jacob Alexis, Richard Running Rabbit and Siksika Health Services CEO Dr. Tyler White, the basic concept for the special logo to be worn on the Stampeders’ helmets emulates the Contemporary Plains Style Traditional Art. The symbols used are paint styles that would be used for horses on special occasions including going into battle: Lightning bolts for speed and agility, stripes for acts of valour, paint around the eye for keen vision, feathers also for valour or to represent coups and the spotted hind quarter representing creation stories and teachings.

The handprint on the chest represents a fierce, fearless horse who would knock down enemies and bring the rider home unharmed.

The helmet will also feature custom numbers and braid-style striping to honour the people and traditional use of the braid in the Indigenous communities. The symbols depicting mountains and tipi/lodges are used to represent the people of Treaty 7, the people by the mountains.

“In Siksika, we’ve received nothing but hospitality from Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation teams,” said Dr. White. “The Calgary Hitmen, the Calgary Flames, and now the Calgary Stampeders. It’s such an honour to be able to share our Blackfoot artwork and culture with friends and community.”

Fans will have the opportunity to win one of the special-edition orange pre-game jerseys worn by the players prior to Saturday’s game by purchasing Stampeders Foundation RE/MAX 50/50 raffle tickets.

The jackpot opens today – Sunday, Sept. 24 – and will run until Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11 p.m. Everyone purchasing a 50/50 ticket will be entered into a draw for a chance to win the jackpot and/or one of 49 orange jerseys worn by a member of the Stampeders. Seven jersey draws of seven jerseys each will be held over the seven-day raffle.

Proceeds will benefit local youth programming in each of the Treaty 7 First Nation Communities.  Through the CSEC Inclusion Program, support is provided to programs and charities such as Spirit North, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience and the CSEC Indigenous Internship Program, among others.