FRASER VALLEY BANDITS AND I∙SPARC REVEAL INDIGENOUS BASKETBALL COLLECTIVE AND ALTERNATE TEAM LOGOS

LANGLEY, B.C., June 15, 2022 – The Fraser Valley Bandits announced in partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) the reveal of two new logos designed in partnership with Kwantlen First Nation as part of this week’s BC Basketball Festival, which culminates this weekend (June 18-19) at Langley Events Centre (LEC). 

The logo was designed by Kwantlen First Nation artist Jeff Dickson, who composed two variations of the logo, each sharing the same icon inspired by the Indigenous history and geography of the Fraser Valley, in particular Golden Ears Provincial Park, in conjunction with the Bandits’ original “fox” logo.

The variation between each logo is represented in each respective wordmark underneath the base of each logo. The first logo’s wordmark reads “Indigenous Basketball Collective” and the second logo’s wordmark reads “Fraser Valley Bandits.”

“As a sports fan I was excited when this opportunity presented itself. However, the true joy was working with the Bandits staff and discovering an authentic interest in taking steps towards Truth and Reconciliation. My hope was to modify the existing fox logo and incorporate subtle themes that would resonate with my Kwantlen community,” Dickson said.

“I would encourage viewers to examine the silhouette of the Golden Ears as a tribute to the land and to consider the increased prominence of the ear and eye as symbols of an awakening to our shared journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Finally, I would point the viewer’s attention to the mask, which is beginning to be lowered as a sign of respectful humility and the potential removal of masks that create barriers,” Dickson said.

The Indigenous Basketball Collective represents the ongoing collaboration between I∙SPARC and the Bandits, which was originally detailed as a key facet of the BC Basketball Festival when the event was announced earlier this year on March 31.

The goal of the Collective is to create annual opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches and others involved in the game of basketball to participate in training camps, competition, workshops and more.

Participants in the Indigenous Basketball Collective’s activations at the Festival will receive t-shirts printed with the logo on the chest. The logo will continue to be used for future events hosted in partnership by the Bandits in tandem with I∙SPARC.

Beyond the festival, the two logos designed by Dickson will be used by I∙SPARC and the Bandits as part of ongoing and future events and initiatives planned in partnership by both organizations.

“The journey to Truth and Reconciliation will be a long trek. I hope this piece represents a visual cue that the Bandits can display as a symbol of their commitment to the First Peoples of our land and their pledge to support the development of Indigenous youth who love the game of basketball,” Dickson added.

On Saturday, June 18 as part of the BC Basketball Festival’s inaugural festivities, Indigenous coaches, players and youth will participate in an athlete combine and 3x3 basketball games hosted at LEC prior to attending the Bandits’ sold-out game versus the Scarborough Shooting Stars, which tips off at 5 p.m. PT.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the Fraser Valley Bandits to unveil the Indigenous Basketball Collective logo. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with Kwantlen First Nation to showcase the artistry of Jeff Dickson. Jeff’s logo reflects the beauty of the region as well as the importance of building bridges in our community through sport, youth, and culture” said Rick Brant, Chief Executive Officer of I·SPARC.

The Collective’s logo was showcased for the first-time at the recent B.C. 3x3 Canada Quest Provincial Qualifiers, which were hosted at LEC on June 4-5. As one of the many components of the Bandits’ work with I∙SPARC, the Bandits entered a team in the adult women’s open division featuring prominent Indigenous players; including Jade Montgomery-Waardenburg, Madison Terbasket-Winser, Montanna Howe and Shenise Sigsworth. 

Fraser Valley currently has a 3-2 record and is a quarter of the way through its fourth Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season. Fraser Valley takes on Edmonton tonight at 6 p.m. PT before returning to LEC to welcome Scarborough for its Saturday contest against BC’s professional basketball team.

“It is a privilege to work in close connection with the Kwantlen First Nation community and its artists. Jeff’s artwork and adaptation are significant reminders of our region’s history and the continued work that is required to honour the culture and impact of Indigenous communities in an effort to increase awareness and opportunities to empower Indigenous youth and to celebrate their achievements in arts, athletics and academics,” said Bandits President Dylan Kular. 

Following tonight’s action against the Edmonton Stingers, Fraser Valley returns to LEC to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars for a sold-out affair on Saturday, June 18 (5 p.m. PT) as part of the BC Basketball Festival.

Games are available on CEBL+ live internationally and in Canada at cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app for iOS and Android devices and the free CBC Gem streaming service. Games are also available on the CEBL’s official app, CEBL Mobile (available on iOS and Android devices), as well as TELUS Optik TV Channel 1901 Lower Mainland and via live streams on 604 Now’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Single game tickets are available for purchase at thebandits.ca/tickets. Fans are kindly asked to call (604) 866-0529 or email tickets@thebandits.ca for any questions or ticket related inquiries.

Head to thebandits.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

###

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council and the Province of British Columbia.

For Fraser Valley Bandits media inquiries, please contact:

Andrew Savory, Vice President, (604) 217-6213, asavory@thebandits.ca

About the Fraser Valley Bandits:

The Fraser Valley Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Langley Events Centre (LEC). A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 71 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season runs from May through August. 

About I∙SPARC:

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout the province. As an organization, I·SPARC coordinates Team BC selection and events, supporting high performance sport right through to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The I·SPARC team is always looking for new ways to bring sport and healthy living to youth and communities across the Province of BC, including through partnerships with communities, sport organizations and coaches. If you are interested in learning more, please check out https://www.isparc.ca.