The Saskatoon Tribal Council has adopted a new mascot designed to engage children and youth about staying in school and other positive messaging. The new mascot has made his debut throughout January and will represent STC at various events and activities including the First Nations winter and summer games, member community treaty days and powwows.

The mascot is modeled after a reserve dog and has proven a hit with kids. 

"We knew we needed a fresh, relatable idea to engage youth. Handing kids a pamphlet doesn’t work," says Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Felix Thomas. "The universal thing that all reserves have in common is the reserve dog."

Throughout January and early February, the "res dog" mascot is visiting approximately 30 rural and city schools with high Aboriginal student enrollment. During the visit, a creative contest for students to name the mascot and tell his life story is being announced. Although the mascot’s image targets the Aboriginal youth demographic, the contest is open to all students.

STC plans to build on the mascot’s popularity and further engage children and youth in mascot themed online activities, events and promotional items.

The naming contest prizes include two iPads for best name and best story and a classroom pizza party, numerous honourable mention prizes, sports equipment packages. The contest entry deadline is February 25, 2014 and can also be entered on the STC website.