This ode to Indigenous culture, reimagined on a Raptors jersey, showcases imagery from the Indigenous communities whose lands we reside on
By: Bana Yirgalem
(Ishitaa Chopra/CanCulture)
On National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which falls on Sept. 30 each year, Canadians are asked to recognize the oft-unacknowledged origins of Turtle Island– the place we may refer to as Canada but has been known, for time immemorial, as Turtle Island to its Indigenous Peoples. We recognize the cultural and colonial genocide committed against Indigenous communities and the enduring impacts coloniality and residential schools have had on every system and institution we may participate in and interact with today.
This year, art and basketball came together in the creation of an Indigenous-inspired Toronto Raptors jersey, bringing the sport and Indigenous communities together.
The jersey was created by renowned designer and illustrator Casey Bannerman and artist Mike Ivall – also known as Big Nish – from the Chippewas of Georgina Island in collaboration with Raptors point guard Fred Vanvleet.
This is the third time Fred VanVleet has partnered with Casey Bannerman, with their first collaboration being with Penny Apparel in 2021. They gave 1000 backpacks to kids in need in Tkaronto (colonially known as Toronto). The second time is when Bannerman created two shirts for Vanvleet’s brand, FFV in 2021. One of the shirts was widely recognized as they were used to help promote the voting of VanVleet for the 2022 All-Star game. The shirt showcases VanVleet’s signature saying “Bet on Yourself”.
The new jersey is a reimaged version of the classic white 1995 jersey with the raptor in the front. However, this jersey is created in woodland art style, which according to Redlake Museum, is “a distinct style of Native art that blends traditional legends and myths with contemporary mediums.” The jersey includes a modified version of the original raptor logo. The jersey also features the Ojibwe word "Giiwedin," which means "North." A portion of the proceeds of each jersey sale went towards the Orange Shirt Society, a non-profit organization that supports Indian Residential School reconciliation and survivors.
Bannerman and Ivall’s art centers on sports, especially sports teams in Toronto. Bannerman’s Instagram is filled with electric posts, ranging from sketches to finished products. He also gifts his talented art to some highly-recognized players in sports. He has made a personalized jacket for Scottie Barnes of the Raptors and a custom-made jersey for Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins that features him after his 2022 NBA championship win.
Bannerman’s art is electrifying as he adds the comic book style on the jerseys of different sports teams or posters which gives them their own personal yet fresh touch.
Ivall’s Instagram is similar but all his creations have a touch of Indigenous culture, referring back to the woodland art style. Posts filled with his designs as they revolve around either Toronto culture or Toronto sports teams as well as other sports teams. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Ivall says the project gives him “a sense of pride, both for my city and my heritage.”
In all his posts that involve his artwork, he has the hashtag “#indigenizeeverything” in the captions. “My art is my personal healing journey,” he said. “It allows me to learn language and teachings that I never had growing up.”
This is not the first time that the Raptors have expressed support towards the work of Indigenous creatives. Back in 2021, Toronto Raptors selected Kyana Kingbird along with two others to be a part of the Welcome Toronto creators program. Kingbird is a Mi’kmaw and Ojibway dancer. On the website, the program’s goal is to spotlight emerging artists from marginalized communities, motivate youth and use basketball to provide further reach.
The contribution of Indigenous people to art and fashion in Canada is highly important, especially since it is being showcased for millions to see. Indigenous communities have always been expressing themselves and their culture beautifully with art, whether it be in the form of music, dance or drawing. Showcasing Indigenous artists’ pieces on the bigger platforms helps Canadians all around the country recognize the culture that flows so beautifully within and through the Indigenous community.
The collaboration between Casey Bannerman and Mike Ivall along with Fred VanVleet is important and recognizes the beauty of Indigenous art as well as culture with sports. The creation of spaces for this now let’s Indigenous people showcase the beauty within their culture in the form of art for us non-indigenous people to see, love and appreciate more.