Quentin Commanda, a Nipissing First Nation artist, designed a Super Bowl football that integrates Indigenous teachings and symbolism. The collaboration between NFL Canada and Commanda aims to increase access to football in Indigenous communities and promote cultural understanding.
Quentin Commanda , an artist from Nipissing First Nation in northern Ontario, is closer to Super Bowl LIX than most, even though his pro football career never happened. On Monday, the NFL unveiled a football designed by the 44-year-old artist as part of its lead-up to Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Commanda, whose artist name is Que Rock, was commissioned by NFL Canada last fall to design an official football.
He knew immediately how to tackle the project, drawing inspiration from Anishinaabe teachings where the strawberry, o’demin, represents heart. “Football was something I was very passionate about growing up and the NFL was always something I kind of imagined playing in,” Commanda said. “But I realize this is a huge platform and an amazing opportunity and I wanted to make the best of it. “To be part of the Super Bowl, I am very much aware of the impact it will have. It still doesn’t feel real yet.” Commanda integrated nature’s four elements, the medicine wheel, and a visual land acknowledgment into his colorful design. He also noted that NFL Canada gave him creative control, which is a rarity for him. “I find many of my clients usually have an agenda they want and are adamant about sneaking it in,” he said. “But this was something where there wasn’t even a suggestion, it was literally, ‘Whatever you can come up with.’ It took him about a week to do the initial rough sketch and two or three days to complete the final design. “I’ve never had a project make me giggle, literally give me a joyful smile,” he said. “The only way I can really express that, it’s like a sigh of relief but with a giggle. A total of 50 Super Bowl footballs bearing Commanda’s design were produced at Wilson’s factory in Ada, Ohio, where each NFL game ball is handmade. Some of these balls will be displayed at NFL and Football Canada events, as well as grassroots gatherings. Commanda sees the project as an opportunity for people to ask questions and learn about Indigenous culture. “Western art is usually interpretive art where Indigenous art is focused on education,” he said. “For the average Joe seeing this for the first time, I’m hoping it’s a lot of inspiration from many different directions.” Several footballs are earmarked for the Dream Catcher Foundation, an organization founded by Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Eli Ankou. Ankou was raised in Ottawa but is a member of the Ojibwe tribe through his mother and has family living in the Dokis First Nation near Sudbury, Ont. “The colours just align, everything is so intentional and I think there’s a deeper rooted message within,” he said. “I didn’t go into it with any expectations because with anything, especially art, everything comes from the soul, everything comes from the artist himself. “Having nothing in mind about what I was expecting to see then seeing it, to me they’re simply beautiful.”“Wow, that makes me feel amazing because I hadn’t really heard anything from anyone,” Commanda said. “Community is always about contributing … especially for these types of important projects
Culture Super Bowl Indigenous Art Football NFL Canada Quentin Commanda Culture Collaboration Anishinaabe Teachings Dream Catcher Foundation
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