It was always about more than a logo and jersey.  

Today, fresh off the release of the first-of-its-kind Indigenous jersey design, the University of Northern British Columbia took another step towards creating meaningful opportunities and strengthening relationships with the Indigenous community.  

The UNBC Timberwolves, in partnership with apparel supplier Kahunaverse, have announced the creation and activation of an online shop, where anyone, anywhere can order a completely customizable jersey, featuring the art and design of Gitxsan artist Trevor Angus.  

After the overwhelmingly positive response to the new design, as well as the community support for the Nats’ilnik Day festivities, UNBC Director of Athletics & Recreation, Loralyn Murdoch suggests this was a great step to invite those in Northern BC, and beyond, to don this landmark jersey.  

“We couldn’t be more excited to be able to respond to so many requests about where people can purchase a jersey.  This will be the first time we have ever had an opportunity for our fans to order a custom jersey and I am so excited that this Indigenous jersey is going to be accessible to all."

The new jerseys will be available in the soccer and basketball designs, and allow customers to pick the size and jersey number of the custom uniform.

 “Trevor Angus truly knocked the design out of the park.  The logo and attention to detail is outstanding.  The jerseys have a story and one that we will continue to share with our student athletes and fans,” said Murdoch. “The process and relationships built in this process are reflected in the outstanding internal and external response. They are gorgeous."

Upon the release of Angus’s logo and jersey design, the Timberwolves received countless emails and messages from around the region and across Canada, requesting the jerseys be made available for purchase. What presented itself was an opportunity to make another tangible step towards developing opportunity and building deeper relationships.  

In consultation with the Lheidli T’enneh, the UNBC Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and UNBC’s First Nations Centre, the Timberwolves worked to identify important opportunities to invest the project’s potential profits.  

One hundred percent of the net proceeds will be split between Lheidli T’enneh youth programming, and Indigenous student-athlete awards. Lheidli T’enneh leadership has been involved in the project from the very beginning, supporting the Timberwolves’ efforts with tremendous enthusiasm and encouragement.   

“This project is more than a jersey.  From the onset it has been about continuing to build relationships with the hopes of giving back to Indigenous youth and student athletes,” said Murdoch. “The establishment of an award for Indigenous Student Athletes and providing opportunities for the Lheidli T’enneh youth was discussed and enthusiastically supported from the onset of this initiative.”  

To order your custom Indigenous jersey, visit UNBC's Bookstore website.