Key Takeaways:
- Canadian curlers will wear new uniforms at the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing in 2022.
- Next year’s Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, Anishinaabe art will be displayed prominently on Team Canada uniforms.
Patrick Hunter, a two-spirit artist from Red Lake, Ont., whose family is from Keeseekoowenin First Nation northwest of Brandon, Man., is excited that his designs will reach a wider audience. “It feels pretty insane that millions see them of people on this global stage,” Hunter says.
“I just want Indigenous people to have a lot more visibility in Canada, and what a great stage to do that on.” Hunter hopes that the uniforms will help bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. “That connection seems to be missing a lot of the time. That was the goal of this whole project for me, to start conversations about First Nations culture and bring it into the spotlight a little bit, “he claims.
The featured designs include 7 trees representing the Anishinaabe culture’s seven grandfather teachings, four eagle feathers representing an honored gift for the four-team members, and four sacred medicines to express positive energy for the players. Kevin Hurrie, a Winnipeg artist, created the shirt’s physical design.
The artist is no stranger to the sports world. He has recently made headlines with his artwork adorning NHL goalie Marc-Andre Fleury’s mask and digital painting for the Chicago Blackhawks’ land acknowledgment in their home arena.
vIndigenous art, business collide as ‘natural fit.’
Dynasty Curling, Curling Canada’s official uniform partner, is a Métis-owned apparel company based in Winnipeg. According to owner Colin Hodgson, the connection seemed to develop naturally because Hunter was a previous classmate of his fiancé.
“We reached out to Patrick, also he was excited about the project and to incorporate Indigenous culture into our uniforms, as well as to show support from the Indigenous community to our Canadian athletes going to the games,” Hodgson says, noting Hunter’s custom design of the Maple Leaf was especially special.
“There are a few Métis players. Also, it’s something that has always been very important to us. So it was a perfect fit, in my opinion, “Hodgson explains.
Source: CBC News
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