Red Lake’s Patrick Hunter is part of history in the National Hockey League.
The Ojibwe artist and graphic designer was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks to create the designs that would accompany the first ever Land Acknowledgement in the NHL.
His work debuted before the Blackhawks home opener on January 22.
Hunter says “It’s a big honour for me but I think to the viewers as well, little kids to elders, seeing themselves represented on screen on that platform, on that stage, is something that’s life changing I think.”
Hunter, who now lives in Toronto, says the team approached him through social media and it took some time for him to realize that this was real.
“I trusted them right away with their design team. They had great intentions for what they wanted to do. Instead of just changing the name they really wanted to actively work towards reconciliation and community engagement and stuff like that. So it was kind of a no-brainer for me.”
He believes this is a major step towards reconciliation especially in the United States.
“The Blackhawks now, they have a template of ‘This is how you can do it and this is how you should do it’. Instead of just changing the name to something that’s completely different from what it was. That’s in some ways an erasure of culture.”
Hunter is hoping other professional teams follow the Blackhawks lead.
“As much as it wasn’t portrayed in the best light, just to change the name willy-nilly, that’s almost a little bit more offensive in some ways. But the Blackhawks really wanted to make sure that they were doing this in the right way and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the team.”
His florals and designs will be featured before every Chicago game for the rest of the season.
Hunter says when he first saw his work on the big screen he was elated, blown away and extremely proud.
He says he took a lot of art classes growing up in the Red Lake area and didn’t play hockey but stresses he gets it now why so many northerners love the game.
To hear all about the project and the great work done by Patrick Hunter, visit the Audio link below.
Below is the statement from the Chicago Blackhawks organization on the work as well as comments from Patrick Hunter:
To celebrate Native art and artists through this important moment, we partnered with Ojibwe artist and graphic designer Patrick Hunter to create the designs that would accompany our Land Acknowledgement inside the arena. What Patrick created was an appropriately spectacular extension of the land itself. His graceful, vivid florals and greenery resemble the designs used in historic Ojibwe bandolier bags and clothing, all made in the likeness of the foliage that comes from the land. His stylistic feathers represent the spiritual and traditional understanding that eagle feathers hold a significant place in the belief systems of each of the Nations who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. These designs have been thoughtfully and carefully placed alongside the Land Acknowledgement video with the artist’s assistance in an effort to create a more profound experience that we hope will lead the public to begin or continue their understanding and learning of each of the Native Nations represented and beyond.
Patrick Hunter: “In addition to representing the Nations and Sauk War Leader Black Hawk, the seven uniquely designed feathers also lend themselves to represent the 7 grandfather teachings of many Indigenous nations throughout Turtle Island that invite us to live our lives with bravery, truth, humility, love, wisdom, respect and honesty, something that I think the Blackhawks as a team represent.
The inspiration behind my work comes from my roots as an Ojibway, 2spirit person. What I illustrate, draw and paint are created to convey the spirit of what’s inside or being represented visually. I want a young Indigenous kid to grow up and see themselves represented in the mainstream culture instead of excluded from it visually, and it’s collaborations like this that will help see that dream come true.”
To learn more about Patrick’s work, visit patrickhunter.ca
To learn more about the Land Acknowledgment initiative, visit https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/more-blackhawks-land-acknowledgement-debuts-at-2020-21-home-opener/c-320583662
