Hockey Canada has chosen renowned artist Angela Wiggins as one of four Indigenous artists to
hand paint paddles for the 2024-2025 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa, from
December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
These paddles will serve as Player of the Game awards for athletes and will be presented to dignitaries throughout the tournament.
Angela, a self-taught artist from Belleville is celebrated for her vibrant acrylic paintings
that reflect her Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) heritage. Her work often depicts animal wildlife and
natural landscapes, narrating her journey to reconnect with her Indigenous roots.
The Canadian Council for the Arts has recognized her as a First Nations Professional Artist, and her art has
been chosen to be displayed at the Ontario Legislative Assembly.
For the World Junior Hockey Championships, Angela has meticulously crafted 25 paddles, each
featuring one of three designs:
• Turtle Island—Representing the land on which the tournament takes place.
• Bear—Symbolizing strength, family, vitality, courage, and health.
• Loon—Signifying tranquillity, serenity, and the reawakening of old hopes, wishes, and
dreams.
Her signature use of vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, greens, purples, and blues brings these
designs to life. Each paddle is adorned with traditional smudging feathers, tied with hides, and
ceremonially smudged before presentation, honouring Indigenous traditions and spirituality.
Angela will present one of her paddles to a Player of the Game during the Latvia-USA matchup
on December 28, 2024. This presentation will highlight her artistic talents and bring Indigenous
culture to the forefront of an international sporting event.
“Being selected to contribute to such a prestigious event is a profound honour,” Angela says.
“Through my art, I aim to share the stories and traditions of my ancestors, and this opportunity
allows me to do so on a global stage.”
Angela’s involvement in the World Junior Hockey Championship is part of Hockey Canada’s
broader initiative to integrate Indigenous art into its events, celebrating the rich cultural
heritage of Indigenous communities across Canada. This effort showcases Indigenous artists’
talents and fosters a deeper connection between the sport and the diverse communities it
engages.
(Photo: Mark Limin/Hockey Canada)
