The work of a Saugeen First Nation artist will be featured on the Toronto Argonauts helmets.
The CFL team will be sporting their new gear with art by Emily Kewageshig at their September 28th game against the Montreal Alouettes at 7 p.m.
A release from the Argos says it’s a, “Special edition logo to honour the resiliency, strength and enduring spirits of Indigenous peoples.”
Kewageshig says in a statement, “I am proud to partner with the Toronto Argonauts to create a unique logo for the Orange Jersey Game. I come from a small community and when my art and our culture is put on the forefront, it is a celebration for all of us.”
She explains, “I was able to integrate symbolism within the logo that honours who we are as Indigenous people and that is so special to me. I thank MLSE for giving me the opportunity to share these stories with the team and all of the fans.”
There are also Toronto Argonauts hoodies with the Indigenous-inspired logo available both online and in-venue on Sept 28 with 20 per cent of net proceeds donated to the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre.
The Argos release says the design features the Toronto Argonauts boat shown through, “The representative lens of the Indigenous community.” It explains the four figures emerging from the water represent Indigenous peoples.
The statement from teh team adds, “Within the logo are seven circles that pay tribute to the practice of keeping the next seven generations in mind when making any decision to guarantee a sustainable and healthy life for those who follow. The feather alongside the Argonauts ‘A’ is used to symbolize honour, strength and bravery of all Indigenous peoples. The colour orange refers to ‘Orange Shirt Day’, which has become a colour the Indigenous community associates with resilience. The gradient style also alludes to sunrise and sunset, giving all people the opportunity to make each day better than the last.”
Alongside the logo introduction, the Argonauts will host their annual Orange Jersey Game on Saturday, September 28th.
It will also feature Indigenous artists, performers, dignitaries, communities, and also a limited t-shirt toss featuring Kewageshig’s logo.
Kewageshig has a large body of work, from collaborations with companies like David’s Tea, the CBC and Purolator to murals throughout Ontario, including in some shopping malls in the GTA and a whole basketball court surface mural in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. She has illustrated children’s books and has also had local art exhibitions including a solo exhibition at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in 2020.
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