Indigenous artist helps unveil Invictus Games medals he designed

The Invictus Games unveiled new medals designed by artists from the four First Nations hosting the events, with little over a week before the opening ceremonies.

Four hundred sixty-two gold, silver, and bronze medals designed by artists from the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations will be presented at the games.

The medal designs bring together elements from the four Coast Salish Nations, including a war paddle, half of the ancestral eye, and the triangle and wave of the mountain and valley seen on traditional blankets.

“Today marks a moment of immense pride and honour, as we reveal the Games medals. More than symbols of achievement, they represent resilience, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of all of our competitors. Every medallist will have a story of triumph, proving that strength lies both in the victory, and the healing journey itself,” Invictus Games Vancouver CEO Scott Moore said in a statement Wednesday.

Levi Nelson had to hold back his tears when he opened the cedar box containing the medals Wednesday. 

The artist from the Lil’wat Nation designed the hardware, and seeing it for the first time brought a rush of emotions. 

“I was overwhelmed,” Nelson said after the medals were unveiled. “To see something go from paper to gold, and especially to see a Coast Salish design rendered in gold, was very meaningful to me. It was a magical moment.”

“I did a bunch of research. I went to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, and I looked at the work from my ancestors, who were past artists,” Nelson told The Leader Spirit.

“When you think of all the the artifacts that are in the museum there, those were done by other artists too. And so I looked at that, and after a bunch of sketches, went back to the original branding concept and referenced that.”

The Invictus Games say each medal will come with a hand-knit or crocheted wool carrying bag. Each unique bag is made by fibre artists from all four host First Nations communities and represents each artist’s interpretation of the Invictus Games’ black and yellow colour palette.

“Winning medals at the Invictus Games, no matter the colour, wasn’t just about being the best — it was a symbol of one’s determination, strength, and the power of never giving up. Each event I competed in represented a step forward in my recovery journey as I rediscovered the joy of sport and my resilience to take on each challenge by doing my best,” said former Team Canada athlete Patrick Levis in Wednesday’s statement.

The medals will be presented over the nine days of sporting events to wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans from 23 nations.

“We are proud to support the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Medals Program to celebrate and honour the inspiring competitors who demonstrate extraordinary strength and resilience,” said Teck President and CEO Jonathan Price.

—With files from The Canadian Press