Iron Ridge Secondary Campus launch new Cree syllabics basketball jersey, honouring Bisons Indigenous significance

Iron Ridge Secondary Campus (IRSC) unveiled new basketball jerseys emblazoned with Cree syllabics this week, paying tribute to the school’s Indigenous namesake — the Bisons — and the Treaty 6 territory on which it stands.

In front of a full gym for the Bisons’ final senior boys and girls home games of the season Feb. 10, IRSC Athletic Director Joe McQuay said the gesture extends the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation beyond a single day.

“It’s huge. We’re using this stage to present the Cree language and culture,” said McQuay. “As a new school building our own culture, we need to honour the original culture that was here before us.”

The jerseys feature the word “Bisons” in Cree syllabics, referencing the buffalo, or “Paskwaw Mostos” in Cree. The school shared a message from Josephine Small, Indigenous Education Learning Support Coach with Wolf Creek Public Schools, explaining the significance of the bison in Indigenous tradition.

“Paskwaw Mostos used to outnumber the blades of grass on this land,” Small’s message read. “They provided the people with everything they needed, and they never ran away from a challenge. We have to be like the buffalo so we can continue to thrive.”

Small added that today, many say “education is the new buffalo,” underscoring the importance of learning as a means of survival.

“So you see, the buffalo is more than just a school mascot,” Small said in her message. “He is here to remind everyone to face your challenges and always give it your all.”

The special presentation opened with a Land Acknowledgement recognizing Treaty 6 territory and all First Nations, Métis, Inuit and non-First Nations whose footsteps have marked the land for centuries.

McQuay, who consulted indigenous community members through Wolf Creek’s Indigenous Education and Reconciliation department to ensure the jerseys were respectful and authentic, said the response from students has been positive.

“They really embraced it,” he said. “We talked about the significance behind the jerseys before the game and made sure we carried ourselves with the utmost respect.”

The Bisons, who fielded senior basketball teams without any Grade 12 players this season, plan to continue using the jerseys in future. McQuay said the school will keep honouring local Indigenous culture.