How the Seahawks Logo Ignited a Superfan's Indigenous Heritage Journey

The Seattle Seahawks are a well-known NFL team, and their logo is recognized by fans everywhere. But not everyone knows that the logo has a deep connection to indigenous culture. Wallace Nagedzi Watts, known as Captain Seahawk, has been a dedicated fan for nearly thirty years. His passion for the team grew even stronger when he discovered that the Seahawks logo was inspired by a ceremonial mask from the Kwakwaka'wakw tribe on Vancouver Island, Canada.

This discovery happened during the Seahawks' Super Bowl run in 2014. The Burke Museum in Seattle decided to research the origins of the team's logo, which was chosen in the 1970s. They found an old black-and-white photo of a mask in an art book, which led them to the Hudson Museum in Maine. The mask, carved from cedar in the late 1800s, was created by the Kwakwaka'wakw people and used in important ceremonies called potlatches. These ceremonies were once banned by the Canadian government, which tried to stop indigenous traditions. Despite the ban, the Kwakwaka'wakw people continued their practices in secret.

The mask is called a 'transformational mask' because it can open to reveal a human face inside, symbolizing the connection between people and their ancestors. When the mask was brought to Seattle for a special ceremony, both tribal members and Seahawks representatives attended. This event helped many people learn about the true origins of the logo and brought pride to the indigenous community.

Watts, who grew up on a reservation in Port Alberni, was inspired to explore his mother's family history after learning about the logo's roots. He traveled across Vancouver Island, joined tribal canoe journeys, and reconnected with his Kwakwaka'wakw relatives. During one journey, he was honored as a 'warrior' or guardian of his tribe's culture. This experience was life-changing for him, making him feel more connected to his heritage.

Other indigenous people, like artist Bruce Alfred, also felt inspired by the Seahawks' connection to their culture. Alfred helped confirm that the mask was indeed Kwakwaka'wakw and had been used in spiritual ceremonies before being taken away. He explained that the government once tried to erase indigenous culture, but now there is a movement to reclaim and celebrate it.

The Seahawks are very popular along Canada's western coast, where there are no other NFL teams. Many fans in the area have become more interested in their heritage because of the team's logo. Some artists have even created new versions of the logo in their own tribal styles, such as Qwalsius-Shaun Peterson, a Coast Salish artist from Washington. He says that people are excited to see native art represented and that the logo is seen as respectful, not offensive.

There is still debate about how indigenous artifacts should be displayed. Some believe that masks and other sacred objects should only be used in ceremonies, not shown in museums. Museums now work closely with tribal communities to decide which items can be displayed.

Watts uses his role as a superfan to help others. He raises money for charities, cooks at a food bank, and mentors Native American youths in prison. He says that learning about the logo's origins changed his outlook on life and made him want to protect and support his community. The story of the Seahawks logo has inspired many people to reconnect with their roots and take pride in their culture.