The Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies held its Indigenous Celebration games over the weekend.
Many Indigenous talent, including an Indigenous DJ, traditional communal drum performance as well as dance performers, performed throughout the game intermission breaks.
Also highlighted was artwork from an artist from the Quinte region.
Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell is a 23-year-old Anishinaabe artist from Trenton.
Rushnell is self-taught and got into art to learn more about his culture.
“My style is woodland art and as of late hip hop and pop culture,” Tyler said to Quinte News when asked about his style of art.
His work was spotted by an associate with the Toronto Raptors who followed Tyler on his social media.
After seeing the work, the associate recommended Tyler’s work to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
Rushnell’s family, big Leafs fans, were ecstatic upon hearing the news.
“My first reaction was surprise then I was overjoyed and bursting with pride for him,” Tyler’s dad Paul Rushnell tells Quinte News.
Indigenous logo and pre-game jerseys for the Toronto Maple Leafs created by Tyler Rushnell. (Photo: Tyler Rushnell)
Tyler would go on to design the pre-game warm-up jerseys for the Leafs and patches on the jerseys for the Marlies.
He also designed a variety of artwork for merchandise.
Tyler described his reaction seeing his work come to life.
“Surreal, excited and a little overwhelming.”
That sentiment was spread across Tyler’s family.
“Seeing the jerseys for the first time was amazing.” Paul Rushnell said.
“It was amazing to see Ty’s reaction and excitement knowing what the public and Leafs nation was about to see.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs Indigenous crest in the shape of a Thunderbird. Tyler Rushnell says the thunderbird represents strength and being able to talk to the creator in a good way. (Photo: Tyler Rushnell)
A portion of proceeds sold from the merchandise, as well as the money from the practice-worn jerseys sold for auction, will go towards the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre.
Tyler, as well as his brother and father, were in attendance for the Indigenous Celebration game.
“The game was exciting and I was filled with pride for myself and my peoples,” Tyler recounted on the game.
His father, Paul, agreed.
“Tyler, his brother and myself were treated like royalty . The Indigenous game and the people that took part were amazing,” Paul said. “From the drummers and dancers, to the music, to the food, to the chiefs. It truly was an experience and filled us all with pride for the recognition of Indigenous people everywhere.”
The Maple Leafs would go on to win their game against the Detroit Red Wings, 4-1.
Tyler Rushnell showcased on the Toronto Maple Leafs jumbotron at Indigenous Celebration game. (Photo: Paul Rushnell)
Since the game, Tyler says he’s seen a lot of support for his work.
He says he’s had “national recognition from news media and all kinds of leaf supporters” come to see his art.
More of Rushnell’s artwork can be found at his social media.
