Toronto and Mohawk Artists Design Indigenous Blue Jays Jersey for Charity

Artists Casey Bannerman and Kory Parkin have teamed up on a new Toronto Blue Jays-inspired jersey that celebrates Indigenous culture and also supports Indigenous nonprofits.

Their new jersey reimagines the traditional Blue Jays logo in a Haida style, and features a Tkarón:to—a Mohawk word for Toronto that means “where there are trees standing in the water”—emblem on the front. Other Mohawk words included in the design are Teri:Teri, which means Blue Jay, and Konorónhkwa which means “I Love You” and “the blood that flows belongs to you,” which further explores the idea of an “interconnected, deep love, caring and compassion towards another person, animal, plant life or spirit.”

Proceeds from the jerseys will support Indigenous charities such as Water First and Dreamcatcher Foundation, which are working to provide clean water to Indigenous communities.

The collab is especially meaningful because the Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays play, is located on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. 

Casey Bannerman tells Complex Canada: “It was an honour to work with Kory on this project, and learn more about Indigenous culture through our collaboration. The Tkarón:to Teri:Teri jersey celebrates Indigenous peoples across Canada and within the sports community. Our goal is to raise awareness through our art, and support Indigenous communities throughout the country.”