Discovering the “real” NAIT mascot

For years, a secret has been hiding in plain sight, so mysterious that only NAIT staff, students and alumni are in on it. If you have ever walked through the NAIT halls or attended one of our sports events, you’ve likely caught a glimpse of a furry figure wearing a jersey bouncing around full of school spirit.

But who or what is the Ook you ask? Well, those few who are lucky enough to have seen him up close made him out to be a very furry owl booming with school spirit. Beyond that, no one knows who or if there is anyone under that mask. What we do know is, that he is the unofficial guardian of NAIT and the ultimate fan of our NAIT sports teams, and a constant presence at every sports game, hyping up the crowd with his dance moves and leading chants to keep the energy high.

How did the Ook come to be? In 1964, Ookpik was chosen to be the official mascot of NAIT. Shortly after its debut, it became the centre of a friendly mascot rivalry between SAIT and NAIT, where SAIT stole the beloved Ook. After things got heated the Ook was returned back to the NAIT campus, and Ook fever was spread throughout campus leading to the naming of several of our stores on campus. The Ook now represents tradition and strength but also the five decades of our staff, students and alumni.

If you weren’t one of the lucky few to catch the iconic Ook mascot in action, don’t worry all Ook sports will resume after the Christmas break, giving you the rare opportunity that this beloved mascot has to offer, exclusive to only the NAIT community.

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