Maple Leafs debut indigenous-inspired warm up jerseys

The Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled new warm-up jerseys on Saturday as part of their Indigenous Celebration game.

The warm-up jerseys were designed by Indigenous visual artist Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell.

“I have been doing art for five or six years, my dad and family would always mention keeping sticking to it and you will go far, and a lot of amazing things have happened since then,” Rushnell said in a Twitter post shared by the Leafs.

“It is like a dream come true,” he added.

The redesigned jersey features a light blue logo background with “Tkaronto Maple Leafs” over it.

Rushnell said the jersey redesign was inspired by the Ojibwe and Anishinaabe people.

According to the artist the Ojibwe floral represents the beauty of “the First People on Turtle Island.” The grey designs inside the leaf crest and players numbers on the warm up sweaters are Rushnell’s own Anishinaabe designs.

The hockey players were gifted jerseys, along with arm badges for the regular game jerseys and customized beaded medallions by six Ojibwe women and elders emblazoned with the players’ numbers.

“They now have a direct connection with the Indigenous people who did that for them,” Chief of the Mississauga of the Credit, Stacey Leforme, said on a Twitter video.

The game also featured entertainment from various Indigenous talents including a traditional communal drum performance, as well as dance performers and a DJ.

Those in attendance were able to try various Indigenous fusion cuisine including bison poutine and smoked cranberry maple sage drumsticks.

Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) told the Star that, “the Maple Leafs and Marlies recognize the importance of using the teams’ platforms to amplify and celebrate Indigenous culture in our city and surrounding communities. As part of the journey towards reconciliation, the teams are creating the opportunity to support local Indigenous artists, vendors and creators.”

Five worn and signed warm-up jerseys will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre.

An Indigenous-inspired collection for fans was also released today. The Mitchel and Ness apparel line logo snapback cap, men’s tee and hoodie were available but sold out almost six hours before the game.

MLSE said a “portion of proceeds from the sale of the unique merchandise line” will be donated as well.

Additionally, proceeds from the MLSE Foundation’s 50/50 raffle will also be donated to the centre to aid their work.

The foundation has a history of partnership with the centre through The Little Embers program that supports the needs of Aboriginal children and youth ages 7-15, living in Regent Park and surrounding areas.

Both the Leafs and the Toronto Marlies will be hosting Indigenous Celebration Games on Jan. 7 and 8.

Edward Djan is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @EdwardDjan1

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