The Indianapolis Indians revealed a new collection of alternate logos and on-field uniforms, celebrating the legacy of Eastern Woodlands tribes that have long resided in Central Indiana through designs developed over 18 months of collaboration with Native American leaders.
The new Native American Heritage logo, which will appear on jerseys and caps during six home games beginning in May, draws inspiration from Eastern Woodlands ribbon work — an art form characterized by layered patterns that serve as symbols of cultural continuity, identity and pride among tribes. The design weaves together three intersecting values: the heritage of Eastern Woodlands tribes, the organization’s deep history in professional baseball and its dedication to Indianapolis.
Intricate ribbon work designs on the jersey sleeves further celebrate the Native American community.
“We pride ourselves in being stewards of the Indianapolis Indians name, and the unveiling of our Native American Heritage collection is an important evolution to our existing partnership with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana,” Indianapolis Indians President and CEO Randy Lewandowski said. “We look forward to elevating and celebrating the history of Eastern Woodlands tribes on Native American Heritage Night, throughout the season and into the future.”
The creative process involved more than 100 interviews with local leaders, Native Americans and Major League Baseball representatives.
The jerseys and caps will debut on the field during the organization’s annual Native American Heritage Night on May 8. Specialty merchandise items are available for purchase now at indyindians.com/shop.
The Indians began a partnership with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana ahead of the 2023 season, establishing an annual Native American Heritage Night that includes pregame ceremonies performed by the tribe, educational booths, video board graphics, veteran recognition and a scholarship program.
“Working with the Indianapolis Indians on this partnership has been an absolute pleasure,” Chief Brian Buchanan of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana said. “We look forward to continuing to contribute to this excellent platform and educating the broader community about the Indigenous people of Indiana.”
Beginning this season, the organization’s land acknowledgement statement will be prominently etched into the concrete as fans enter through the Toyota Center Field Gate, in addition to being read before each game at Victory Field. The Indians have also commissioned a mandatory awareness and education program for all employees.
Single-game tickets for all 75 home games are now on sale. Full-season, half-season, and mini plans are available, and group and premium reservations may also be made. For more information, visit indyindians.com
Contact Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
