Central Michigan University Athletics
Commemorative basketball warmup shirts feature Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe artwork
2/20/2025 12:30:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Our Stories
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Seven Grandfather Teachings and a commemorative basketball warmup in a blend of maroon and gold and Anishinaabe culture.
The Central Michigan men's and women's basketball teams combined with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on Feb. 1 in wearing replica Native American artwork warmup shirts featuring the Tribe logo in a stunning woodland floral design and the Seven Grandfather Teachings for their respective games at McGuirk Arena with Bowling Green State. To purchase a shirt, click here.
Each of the warmups featured the logo as designed by artist Aryl Ruffino, a Mount Pleasant native and tribal member, and each warmup top featured one of seven words signifying the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Dbaadendiziwin (Humility), Aakwa'ode'ewin (Bravery), Gwekwaadziwin (Honesty), Nbwaakaawin (Wisdom), Debwewin (Truth), Mnaadendimowin (Respect), Zaagidwin (Love).
"For us it was truly a remarkable experience to see not only the artwork of a Native American artist on the warmup shirts, but it also goes to showcase the tremendous partnership and the mutual respect between the university and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe," SCIT spokesman Erik Rodriguez said. "These are the kinds of educational initiatives that we hope to accomplish within the CMU community and the greater Mount Pleasant community."
The CMU student-athletes donned the warmup tops on a day that included halftime performances at both games of SCIT drummers and dancers. The dancers shared their unique regalia in highlighting the beauty of the Native American culture, while the sounds resonating from the drum represent the heartbeat of the ancestors recognized throughout generations of the Anishinaabe people.
"It's an honor and a privilege to learn firsthand about the history and culture of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. "This shirt allows us to share and honor their heritage and culture through our partnership. Aryl's artwork and story is inspiring, and we are proud and grateful to have this opportunity."
"It really showcases that there is a tremendous importance behind not only the sharing of the nickname, but the ability to help tell the story of what it represents, and we are very thankful and appreciative that Central Michigan Athletics and the university allow us the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to do such," Rodriguez said.
The CMU community and the public can purchase a replica of the shirt with all seven teachings on it, by clicking HERE. All proceeds from the sales will support SCIT youth recreation programs.
The Central Michigan men's and women's basketball teams combined with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe on Feb. 1 in wearing replica Native American artwork warmup shirts featuring the Tribe logo in a stunning woodland floral design and the Seven Grandfather Teachings for their respective games at McGuirk Arena with Bowling Green State. To purchase a shirt, click here.
Each of the warmups featured the logo as designed by artist Aryl Ruffino, a Mount Pleasant native and tribal member, and each warmup top featured one of seven words signifying the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Dbaadendiziwin (Humility), Aakwa'ode'ewin (Bravery), Gwekwaadziwin (Honesty), Nbwaakaawin (Wisdom), Debwewin (Truth), Mnaadendimowin (Respect), Zaagidwin (Love).
"For us it was truly a remarkable experience to see not only the artwork of a Native American artist on the warmup shirts
The CMU student-athletes donned the warmup tops on a day that included halftime performances at both games of SCIT drummers and dancers. The dancers shared their unique regalia in highlighting the beauty of the Native American culture, while the sounds resonating from the drum represent the heartbeat of the ancestors recognized throughout generations of the Anishinaabe people.
"It's an honor and a privilege to learn firsthand about the history and culture of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. "This shirt allows us to share and honor their heritage and culture through our partnership. Aryl's artwork and story is inspiring, and we are proud and grateful to have this opportunity."
"It really showcases that there is a tremendous importance behind not only the sharing of the nickname, but the ability to help tell the story of what it represents, and we are very thankful and appreciative that Central Michigan Athletics and the university allow us the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to do such," Rodriguez said.
The CMU community and the public can purchase a replica of the shirt with all seven teachings on it, by clicking HERE. All proceeds from the sales will support SCIT youth recreation programs.
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