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Ontario Soccer celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day by featuring work from Northern Ontario Cree Artist Patrick Cheechoo

By Staff, 06/21/21, 9:45AM EDT

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Today, June 21, 2021, marks the annual summer solstice, a day of great significance for indigenous peoples across Canada and Ontario Soccer is proudly celebrating the rich heritage, inspiring achievements, and diverse culture of the Indigenous communities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

As Ontario Soccer continues its journey of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as priority core organizational values, we direct our focus towards the celebration of today’s National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Today, June 21, 2021, marks the annual summer solstice, a day of great significance for indigenous peoples across Canada and Ontario Soccer is proudly celebrating the rich heritage, inspiring achievements, and diverse culture of the Indigenous communities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

A special connection with a Northern Ontario artist is the catalyst for this year’s celebration. As part of our social media and digital communications, Ontario Soccer will feature the artwork of Patrick Cheechoo, a Cree artist from Constance Lake First Nation, ON, during National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Cheechoo, part of the Mushkegowuk (Cree) in Northern Ontario, has been a multi-media visual artist for 30+ years. Mainly focused in the area of painting, he also uses photography, ceramics, printmaking, and woodcarving for self-expression. He draws inspiration from the natural world around him, including animals in their habitats and the changing of seasons. He shares his love of the Cree culture through teaching and storytelling, while also observing ceremonies and listening to stories to continue in his own personal and cultural growth.

More information about Cheechoo and his artwork can be found on his Facebook page and Shopify site.

Moreover, as part of the National Indigenous Peoples Day recognition, Ontario Soccer is pleased to add a collection of resources to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion section of our website. You can find these resources that will assist the education of members and development of programs in support of Indigenous Canadians by clicking here.

Ontario Soccer would like to thank Sandra Riberdy, Ontario Soccer’s Diversity Officer, and the Anti-Racism Access and Equity Committee for their important work in this area. Their leadership is helping to educate and inform us on the ways that we can build a better soccer community in Ontario.