A Saskatchewan artist is commemorating the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ victory in the Grey Cup by unveiling a new tribute logo. The Riders clinched a 25-17 win against the Montreal Alouettes in a thrilling showdown on Sunday night, marking Saskatchewan’s first Grey Cup triumph since 2013.
In honor of this victory, Chris Chipak, an artist and illustrator hailing from Red Pheasant Cree Nation near North Battleford, crafted a design inspired by an earlier Indigenous logo he had designed for the Riders, which has gained significant popularity among fans. The new artwork showcases the Grey Cup prominently, alongside silhouettes of the team’s four other trophies in the background.
Central to the design is a single feather emerging from the trophy’s center, illuminated by the radiant sun in the backdrop. Below, a buffalo is depicted at the base, with its mane transforming into roots that extend across the ground.
Chipak revealed that the idea for the design struck him while observing fans adorned in his earlier work during the championship game. He expressed his joy in witnessing the widespread adoption of his previous logo and the deep connection it fostered with fans.
Previously, Chipak had created the Indigenous Riders logo that featured elements like the buffalo, river, sun, and the iconic “S,” as part of the team’s Truth and Reconciliation initiative. The logo, released in full color earlier this year, has garnered significant admiration from supporters, particularly Indigenous families.
The artist emphasized that the new design aims to pay tribute to the pride and sentiment associated with the victory, as well as the strong bond the team has formed with fans throughout the province. Additionally, Chipak had also crafted a digital illustration of Riders running back A.J. Ouellette in anticipation of the championship game.
Chipak envisions that the new logo will serve as a lasting reminder of the historic win and the unifying power of sports among people in Saskatchewan.