Celebrating Indigenous Excellence in Sports

Honouring the deep-rooted traditions of sport and wellness within Indigenous communities, and their continued impact on athletic life at TMU

Located within the iconic Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC), formerly known as Maple Leafs Gardens, Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Department of Athletics and Recreation has commissioned an Indigenous mural for the building’s main lobby. Once home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, this historic venue remains a hub for sports and community in Toronto, now home of the TMU Bold.

The mural, a 17’ x 17’ hand-painted tribute to Indigenous culture and TMU’s Indigenous athletics community, will serve as a powerful visual representation of Indigenous presence, excellence, and belonging. Designed to inspire reflection and recognition, the work of art welcomes all who enter the space, while reinforcing TMU’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and inclusion.

Special thanks to Dan Berger, General Manager of the Mattamey Athletic Centre on behalf of Oak View Group (OVG), for their generous support in bringing this meaningful project to life. 

About the Mural | Soaring for Greatness

The falcon, seen as a symbol of strength, leadership and perseverance, contains the stories of five different athletes who exemplify generations of Indigenous excellence in sport. With this, we honour those that came before us who prayed for us to have these opportunities, while also celebrating today's achievements, and inspiring our future generations to soar for greatness. 

About the Artist | EMILY KEWAGESHIG

Emily Kewageshig is an Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller from Saugeen First Nation No. 29, located on the shores of Lake Huron in southwestern Ont. From a young age, Kewageshig knew she was destined to pursue a career in the arts, and at 17, she moved to Toronto to further her education. In 2017, she graduated with honours from Sheridan’s College of Visual and Creative Arts program, where she was awarded “Best in Show” at the final graduate exhibition. She continued her studies at OCAD University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Indigenous Visual Culture in 2020.

In 2018, Kewageshing became a mother, a special experience that deepened her connection to her spirituality and heritage. Motherhood led her to embrace the Anishinaabe worldview of the cyclical nature of life—the belief that everything is interconnected and flows with balance and harmony. Kewageshig’s work, headlined with vivid colours, bold graphic lines, and a mix of traditional and contemporary materials, reflects this interconnectedness. She focuses on the balance between culture and identity, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in a circular nature.

Beyond her success as an artist, Kewageshig serves as a role model and advocate for Indigenous youth. Through collaborations with various organizations and brands such as CBC, The Globe and Mail, Redken, Purolator, Parks Canada, as well as her work as a book illustrator, Kewageshig demonstrates the power of pursuing creativity, persevering through challenges and barriers, and embracing indigenous identity.

Over the course of her career, Kewageshig has also collaborated with several prominent sports organizations such as the Toronto Argonauts, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), NBA Canada and the Toronto Raptors, and the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Through these partnerships, she has helped bring Indigenous stories and perspectives into the world of sport and now brings that same spirit to the MAC.

Celebrating Indigenous Excellence in Sport

Indigenous sport in Canada is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, spirituality, and community well-being. For generations, physical activities served as forms of medicine, ceremony and connection, fostering healing, resilience, and strength. 

Lacrosse, also known as the “Creator’s Game,” originated among Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe Peoples. The game was played to resolve conflicts, train warriors, and unite communities. Furthermore, activities such as snowshoeing and kayaking emerged from essential ways of life practiced by Indigenous Peoples and have since evolved into internationally recognized sports. 

Today, Indigenous athletes are making their mark across the globe, breaking barriers and redefining representation in both high-level and recreational sports. They’re not only excelling in their sports but also serving as role models, inspiring future Indigenous generations to pursue and excel in athletics.

Bold Roots, Lasting Legacy: 

Celebrating Indigenous Student-Athletes at TMU Through the Years

Indigenous student-athletes have long been a vital part of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s athletic legacy, demonstrating excellence, leadership, and resilience. 

From the Rams to TMU Bold, Indigenous athletes have excelled in sports, helping to shape the spirit and culture of TMU athletics. 

This celebration honours their accomplishments and recognizes the enduring impact they have made both in U SPORTS and beyond.

When Maple Leaf Gardens Was Home Ice: 

Honouring Indigenous Hockey Legend George Armstrong

George Armstrong was the longest-serving captain in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the NHL's pioneering Indigenous players. Nicknamed “The Chief,” he led the Maple Leafs to four Stanley Cup championships during his 21-year career, all of which he won while playing at Maple Leaf Gardens, now known as the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Armstrong is the last Leafs captain to hoist the Stanley Cup, achieving the feat in 1967. His empty-net goal in Game 6 of the 1967 Stanley Cup Final secured the championship and stood as the final goal of the NHL's Original Six era.

His granddaughter, Kalley Armstrong, has continued his legacy both on and off the ice. A former captain of the Harvard Crimson women's ice hockey team, she helped lead the Crimson to a No. 2 national ranking in her senior season.

In 2019, Kalley founded Armstrong Hockey to honour her grandfather's values and create opportunities for young Indigenous hockey players, particularly uplifting Indigenous girls. Through hockey camps, mentorship, and community partnerships, Armstrong Hockey empowers Indigenous youth through sport, leadership, and connection. Kalley has worked with Indigenous communities across Ontario and continues to expand programming throughout Canada. 

Learn more at Armstrong Hockey.

For more information, please contact: Nuala Byles nuala.byles@torontomu.ca