Invictus Games: Meghan and Prince Harry unveiled a historic first in Canada

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made headlines after they unveiled the groundbreaking Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 logo, a collaborative effort involving the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, and Lil’wat Nations.

This marks the first time all four First Nations have united to create artwork. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Canada last week to participate in the One Year to Go celebrations for the event. On Wednesday, Meghan and Harry visited the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a museum and art gallery showcasing the heritage of First Nations peoples in Canada.

The term “First Nations” refers to Indigenous peoples who have inhabited Canada for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. Following their tour, the center hosted a reception to unveil the official logo for the Invictus Games 2025, according to People.

A statement on the couple’s official website expressed their pride in sharing the artists’ creations with the world. “The evening and presentation were significant. IG2025 and the couple could not be more proud to share the artists’ piece with the world.”

“The couple recognizes the significance of the First Nations communities welcoming the Invictus Games onto their sacred land and are thankful for the warmth and hospitality,” the statement read.

Master carver and canoe maker Ray Natraoro said they aimed to represent their territory and origins through the final designs. Rooted in the cultural traditions of the Pacific Northwest’s Salish people, the designs reflect the spiritual and cultural significance of Salish art symbols while showcasing diverse perspectives from each artist involved.

Nick Booth, Interim CEO of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, noted that creating the logo is one of the ways to involve Host First Nations in planning and co-hosting the international adaptive sports competition.

He argued that the collaborative effort between the Four Host First Nations and the Games is a way to recognize the shared journey of recovery for Indigenous communities and military service members, showcasing the power of sport in overcoming adversity.

Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, kicked off the One Year to Go celebrations for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 on Wednesday. They were seen holding hands as they engaged with athletes on adaptive skis and their guides on a snowy mountain.

People reported that the couple will meet with members of the participating nations’ Winter Training Camp, which gathers members of the international Invictus Community to experience winter adaptive sports ahead of the official competition next year.

Prince Harry, a former British Army captain, established the international adaptive sports tournament, the Invictus Games, in 2014.

The word “Invictus” translates to “unconquered” in Latin, reflecting the spirit of the event. Its motto, “I am,” is derived from the William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus,” which ends with the lines, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

The 2025 games will take place in British Columbia’s Vancouver and Whistler. It will be the first Invictus Games to host winter and indoor adaptive sports programs.