Prince George, B.C. – UNBC Athletics in conjunction with the UNBC First Nations Centre, UNBC Office of Equity Affairs and the Northern Sport Centre are thrilled to officially unveil the new 55-foot mural that now adorns the entrance wall of the Northern Sport Centre.
As UNBC Timberwolves athletes, staff, alumni and supporters strive towards truth and reconciliation through concrete action, this mural was created to celebrate the Indigenous jerseys that the UNBC Timberwolves unveiled in 2021 making them the first Canadian post-secondary institution to unveil an Indigenous designed logo and jersey. The design was created by Gitxsan artist and former UNBC student Trevor Angus who is from the House of Wii minoosik and was raised in Kispiox, B.C.
The mural itself was designed by UNBC graphic designer Kayla Clark and features a UNBC traditional territory land acknowledgement, along with "En Cha Huna," UNBC's motto, from Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, which is interpreted as "respecting all forms of life." Various UNBC athletics alumni are featured on the mural courtesy of photographs from 6ixSigma's Christos Sagiorgis.
"This mural is a continuation of a collaborative, inclusive process that started well before the Indigenous logo and jerseys were originally created and unveiled [in 2021]," said Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC Director of Athletics and Recreation. "It's one thing to wear the jersey or to see the jersey, but now to have this accomplishment prominently displayed in such an important space at UNBC's Prince George campus allows us all to take pride in the traditional territory where UNBC exists."
Murdoch adds, "Beyond any accomplishments on the court or on the pitch, this is a legacy that I am so proud to contribute to, and I want to express my sincere thanks to the many organizations and individuals who have played their part in allowing this mural to come to fruition."
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality.
