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I asked on my Facebook if members of the Squamish Nation had thoughts on the Canucks logo.
How many do you think considered the Canucks logo offensive or cultural appropriation?
How many do you think considered the Canucks logo offensive or cultural appropriation?
None thought it offensive.
None thought it was cultural appropriation.
Many thought that if a new logo made at some point, it would be cool if made by an Indigenous artist from the MST Nations.
None thought it was cultural appropriation.
Many thought that if a new logo made at some point, it would be cool if made by an Indigenous artist from the MST Nations.
I ask people to be careful in playing into the trope of "Well I have a friend from X identity and he says it's not offensive".
I think we should evaluate these issues on the merits of the issue, not just how people feel about the issues.
I think we should evaluate these issues on the merits of the issue, not just how people feel about the issues.
There is no moral universe where a sports logo inspired by Northwest Coast Art is the same as, let's say, the Washington Redskins.
"Cultural appropriation" is an accusation that can be broad and imprecise.
"Cultural appropriation" is an accusation that can be broad and imprecise.
This is very subjective, but I personally don't see how this logo is copying Northwest Coast art, other than the trigon shape in the fin which is a symbol you often see in Northwest Coast art.
But others may have differing opinions and that's okay with me.
I was cautious about putting my voice at the centre of any media coverage because I was worried media outlets would cover the issue so badly, and some did.
Social justice efforts can, sometimes, be devoid of a focus on the material conditions and interests for whom justice is most needed.
There is always an opportunity to talk about what our institutions can and should do to advance Indigenous rights and the betterment of Indigenous peoples in our country where Indigenous people experience many social inequities.
I hope we can learn from this controversy and try to do better next time.
