On National Indigenous Peoples Day, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) presented a cheque to the Lheidli T’enneh Elders Society to give them proceeds from the sale of the Timberwolves Indigenous logo jerseys.
In 2021 UNBC Timberwolves unveiled alternate logo and jersey designed completely by Indigenous artist Trevor Angus. The Timberwolves were the first college or university athletic program in Canada to do so.
“It is more than just a logo – when our students wear it is the sense of pride they feel. They are learning themselves about the lands which they are guests on and that is important to us,” said UNBC President Geoff Payne during the opening ceremonies of Dune Lhuhuweẕdel, Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
“We are thrilled with this partnership and that it is continues to grow,” said Payne as he presented a cheque for approximately $4,900 to Lenora White, vice president of the Lheildi T’enneh Elders Society.
“We are grateful to the UNBC Timberwolves and are heart touched by their generosity. When I say generosity, I am referring to the countless hours, days, weeks, and months with the hard work of committees, organizing and commitment. After all that effort your generosity extended even further to share the fruits of your labour with the Lheidli T’enneh,” said White.
UNBC and Lheildi T’enneh first signed a partnership agreement in 2016, which described the governance between UNBC and Lheidli T’enneh and saw a new sign at the entry to the campus on University Way was unveiled to celebrate the relationship.
Then in 2019, Lheidli T’enneh Nation (LTN) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) signed a partnership which provides options for members of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation to attend UNBC at no cost to the student.
