Truth and Reconciliation Game
Every year, September 30 marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the children who never made it home and to the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history of residential schools and their lasting impact is an essential part of the reconciliation process.
The Alouettes are once again partnering with the Kahnawake community to mark this significant day by highlighting the talent of artist Finnley Montour. In collaboration with Wilson and Lanctôt, an exclusive ball celebrating Mohawk art has been specially designed.
Custom Wilson Football
By Finnley Montour
(Mohawk, Kahnawà:ke)
This limited edition collector’s ball will be available during the game on Friday, September 26, and at the official Alouettes store. All proceeds from its sale will be donated to a foundation in the Kahnawake community.
Other items bearing the “Truth and Reconciliation” logo are also available.
Design Details
PANEL 1
The Mountain
A Haudenosaunee traditional mountain symbol is used to represent Mont Royal
The Water
A Haudenosaunee traditional water symbol is used to represent the St. Lawrence
Explanation
The mountains above the Alouettes logo and the water below, represent the location of where the team plays: below Mont Royal and above the St. Lawrence. This is the spot where the fans get to witness their team working together for a combined goal; a win.
PANEL 2
The Person
A visual representation of the Covenant chain (a record of the treaty as a covenant of peace between the Haudenosaunee and the 13 colonies of early America from the1700’s.) joining hands, in unity with the 12 Montreal Alouettes players on the field on either side of the person in the middle with their arms up, who represents the artist’s people. To ensure unity, there is an even number (6) of Alouettes players on each side. The 12 also represents how there are 12 men on the field at a time, tying into the logo from last year which has 12 rungs to the dream catcher.
The Skydome
A visual representation of the Haudenosaunee belief system, including our creation story. The Skydome represents the three realms our spirits can be in. Above the dome, is the Sky World or Spirit World; this is where our spirit lives before and after we are bound to earthly bodies showcasing cloud like symbols or plant symbols. Inside the dome is the world as we know it, with a plant to showcase the plants and medicines we have available. The line, or below the dome is the Dark World where evil spirits are.
The Tree of Peace
A visual representation of the Haudenosaunee way of living, our constitution for the Confederacy: The Great Law of Peace. Given to us by Peace Maker when the confederacy was created in the 1100’s, The Great Law of Peace consists of three laws. Peace, Power, and Righteous are the closet English words. To live with peace, to live with unity (strength in numbers is powerful) to have The Good Word (to be honest and fair).
The Arrows
A visual representation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Years ago, there was great war between our tribes. With the help of Peace Maker, we were shown that individual tribes alone aren’t strong enough to withstand war. Peace Maker showed us that one arrow can be easily broken by snapping it like a branch. Together, with the original five nations we are strong and can withstand conflict and help each other grow. Five arrows together are almost impossible to break by hand.
Explanation
Unity of the people, on the backdrop of the visual for unity and togetherness along with the Tree of Peace is a powerful visual of Haudenosaunee culture,
combining with the symbolism of the 12 Alouettes players and the artist’s people joining hands in unity. The Skydome ties everything together, to represent that in this realm, we need to be more united and together as human beings of Earth.
HELMET
Finally, the Alouettes will wear the “ALOUETTES AUTOCHTONE” logo, designed by Finnley Montour, on their helmets during the September 19 game in Toronto and the September 26 game in Montreal.
