NFL Canada unveils Indigenous-inspired game ball ahead of Super Bowl LIX

Quentin Commanda from Garden Village was chosen by NFL Canada to design a football that embraces Indigenous culture and sports. Eric Taschner has the story.

In a celebration of Indigenous culture and sport, NFL Canada has unveiled a uniquely designed game ball created by Nipissing First Nation artist Quentin Commanda, also known as ‘Que Rock,’ as part of its lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.

The initiative is part of a broader partnership with Football Canada and the Dream Catcher Foundation aimed at increasing access to football in Indigenous communities across the country.

The ball, handcrafted at the Wilson factory in Ada, OH – where all official NFL game balls are made – features Commanda’s graffiti-inspired design, which incorporates Anishinaabe teachings and symbols. At its core is the strawberry, or “o’demin,” represents heart in Anishinaabe culture.

“In Anishinaabe teachings, the strawberry, ‘o’demin,’ represents heart and to me, heart is a big part of the sport of football,” said Commanda, in a media release from Stellick Marketing Communications.

“I think of this design as an X-ray photo of spirit, with layers of meaning, but the heart berry is at its core.”

The design also integrates the four elements and laws of nature, the medicine wheel, and a visual land acknowledgment.

“For anyone taking a look at the ball, there are a lot of things to absorb,” said Commanda.

Only 50 of the special-edition balls have been produced, with some being delivered to Indigenous communities in Canada, alongside flag football kits and a donation to Football Canada’s Indigenous programming. Others will be displayed at NFL and Football Canada events, as well as grassroots football gatherings.

“I’m really pleased that some of these balls will be delivered to Indigenous communities in Canada and areas where Indigenous youth are playing football,” said Commanda, who added he grew up playing football on his reserve.

“I think it will mean a lot to them to know that the NFL sees and acknowledges them.”

The initiative is part of NFL Canada’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and reduce barriers to participation in the sport.

“This is an incredible initiative, and we’re thrilled to partner with Football Canada and the Dream Catcher Foundation to provide access to our sport across Indigenous communities,” said Gavin Kemp, NFL Canada General Manager.

“Using the global stage of Super Bowl LIX, we’re focused on demonstrating our commitment to minimizing barriers for all to play the game across Canada.”

The Dream Catcher Foundation, founded by Bills Buffalo defensive lineman Eli Ankou, will also receive several of the balls, along with an additional donation. Ankou, a member of the Ojibwe tribe through his mother, has family in the Dokis First Nation near Greater Sudbury, Ont., and was raised in Ottawa.

“To me, the NFL unveiling of these footballs during the Super Bowl LIX celebrations signifies that we get to put pieces of our culture up on full display and share with other amazing people,” said Ankou, in the news release.

“Ultimately, it all boils down to understanding one another, and I think that peering into the beauty of certain cultures opens up the door to many other elements facing those people. At the end of the day, it’s all about a sense of understanding and community.”

The Dream Catcher Foundation is dedicated to empowering future generations of First Nation women and children. Ankou expressed hope that the initiative will inspire young Indigenous athletes and artists.

“My hope for these footballs is that it inspires young Indigenous athletes, artists, or young people simply looking to leave their mark on the world to keep pushing,” he said.

For Commanda, whose artwork can be found in prominent locations across Ontario, including the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Hospital, the project is an opportunity to educate and spark conversation.

“In my culture, artwork is educational, so for the NFL to unveil these footballs as part of Super Bowl celebrations is an incredible opportunity,” he said.