Indian tribe helps out Indians club
"We are excited about our new look, but most of all we are proud of our strong partnership with the Spokane Tribe," said Spokane Indians President Andrew Billig. "We wanted this new identity to show respect for the Spokane Tribe and honor the rich 104-year history of the team. I think we accomplished both of our goals."
The new primary logo has a nostalgic feel and features two eagle feathers, one of the most revered symbols in Spokane Tribal culture. An alternate logo was also unveiled with the words "Spokane Indians Baseball Club" written in Salish, the Spokane Indian Tribal language.
The team's new primary hat logo features an "S" with an eagle feather accent. The design of the "S" is similar to one used by the team on their hats in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Over the past two decades, the team has avoided Native American imagery in its logo, mascots and game presentation, and has received praise from local tribes for its sensitivity to tribal culture.
When the team began to contemplate a new logo two years ago, they started with the assumption that, once again, the best way to show respect to local tribes would be to stay away from any Native American imagery. However, during a meeting with the Spokane Tribe's Culture Committee early in the logo development process, it became clear that the use of subtle and respectful Indian images would be welcomed by the Tribe.
The Spokane tribal council released the following statement about the Spokane Indians logo and the process of creating the new identity:
"Immediately upon contact from the Spokane Indians baseball management team, the Spokane Tribe believed the request to offer input with the team's new look would prove to be a win-win situation for all involved. The Spokane tribal council along with input from its culture committee, and community elders wanted to use this opportunity to build a long lasting successful working relationship with the baseball team carrying the Spokane Tribe's name."
"The Spokane tribal council believes the Spokane Indians baseball management team is taking a lead role in respecting the Tribe's native culture and people by collaborating in the design of their new logo. The Spokane Tribe and Culture Committee hope other Indian-named organizations across the country keep this ground breaking concept in mind with their own neighboring Indian Tribes."
In addition to the Spokane Tribe, the team reached out for input on the new logos from other local tribes through the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT).
"Leaders from all five Spokane-area tribes greatly appreciated the team's outreach and willingness to design the logo to be respectful of tribal cultures," said Mary Verner, the executive director of UCUT.
In addition to the logos, the team unveiled its new uniforms. The uniforms also pay tribute to the team's long history with a retro-look that features off-white uniforms and classic red script. The uniform was modeled by Indians pitcher Patrick Donovan.
Today's unveiling event was held at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, an institution that has extensive tribal and baseball collections.
The team's logos and uniform were designed by Plan B Branding, a San Diego-based branding firm that specializes in Minor League baseball.
"We're honored to collaborate with the team and the Spokane Tribe on this historic project," Plan B. branding partner Casey White said. "Both organizations provided the creative inspiration and wonderful resources to bring this look to life."
There are no plans for the team to have an Indian-themed mascot. The team's current mascot, the beloved OTTO the Spokanasauraus, one of the region's most popular and well-known mascots, will continue to represent the Indians in the community and entertain fans at Avista Stadium.
"We want to thank everyone who contributed to this new identity including Plan B Branding, UCUT and everyone with the Spokane Tribe, especially the Tribal Council and Tribal Elders whose wisdom guided us throughout this process," said Billig.
The Indians kick off their 2007 Northwest League season on June 19, 2007 at Avista Stadium. Ticket packages are on-sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Indians at 509-535-2922.