Graphic courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders, the team’s foundation, and First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) have announced $60,000 in funding to support incoming Indigenous students, which the team indicated was possible thanks to the sale of merchandise featuring their Indigenous logo.
“The success of our Indigenous logo has created an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, and we are proud that these proceeds are being reinvested into education and opportunity for Indigenous youth,” said Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds in a statement.
“From the outset, we committed to ensuring this initiative would have lasting impact, and this partnership reflects our responsibility as a club to take action in support of Truth and Reconciliation.”
Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation (Treaty 6), a Saskatoon-based artist, created the Roughriders Indigenous logo in 2024. Colour was added to the logo for 2025.
The funding will include a $40,000 “away from home” bursary, which will support Indigenous students who have to relocate from the home communities to attend FNUiv. There will also be a $20,000 Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation Scholarship, which will recognize academic excellence among new Indigenous students entering FNUniv.
“This partnership brings together the strengths of the Football Club, the Foundation, and the First Nations University of Canada,” said Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation executive director Cindy Fuchs.
“We believe strongly in the role sport and education play in developing young leaders. Through our work with FNUniv and organizations like the Northern Saskatchewan Football League, we see how sport builds confidence, resilience, and leadership — qualities that help young people succeed both on campus and in their communities.”
In a press release, the team indicated “this three-way partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, leadership development, and reconciliation through tangible action.”
“We are grateful for this partnership with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation,” said FNUniv president Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann. “For many of our students, leaving home to pursue post-secondary education comes with significant challenges. This support helps ease that transition and reinforces that our students are valued and supported as they begin their academic journeys.”