All eight Premier Lacrosse League teams unveiled their special uniforms Tuesday for Indigenous Heritage weekend.
The threads will make their on-field debut Friday and Saturday on ESPN+, with the New York Atlas-Maryland Whipsnakes being the first matchup at 7:30 p.m. EST. This is the PLL’s fourth annual Indigenous Heritage weekend.
Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America and originated among various Native communities. The PLL’s special uniforms serve as a nod to the game’s Native American roots and were created by Patrick Hunter, an Indigenous artist and designer.
Hunter’s uniform designs were inspired by woodland art, a style of Native art that builds on “Ojibwe traditions of petroglyphs — drawings or carvings on rocks — and images made on birchbark scrolls,” according to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Ojibwe tribe is the most populous in North America.
Introducing our 2024 Indigenous Heritage Jerseys Designed by Patrick Hunter, an Ojibwe artist. The PLL will be donating a portion of proceeds from every sale to the Anishinabe Baagaadowewin, a non-profit dedicated to sharing Anishinabe history and culture through lacrosse. pic.twitter.com/v6LS77Zl9y
“Woodland art began in the 70’s in Ontario, Canada made famous by artists like Norval Morrisseau and Daphne Odjig,” Hunter said. “When looking at woodland artwork … You can see the life force, soul, vibe or spirit of what it is you’re looking at.”
According to the PLL, a portion of proceeds from jersey and merchandise sales will be donated to Anishinaabe Baagaadoewin — a non-profit dedicated to sharing Anishinaabe history and culture through lacrosse.
Here’s a look at each team’s respective design.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire Our threads to celebrate Indigenous Heritage Weekend in Minneapolis, designed by Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter. pic.twitter.com/XP2AfySM5G
honoring the game ️introducing our 2024 Indigenous Heritage Jerseys, designed in collaboration with Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter. pic.twitter.com/Gg2gHqozMX
Strength. Confidence. Determination. Our 2024 Indigenous Heritage uniforms, designed by Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter. pic.twitter.com/gbcr1Ef2VJ