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Labour Day Celebrates the Rich History of Canadian Football

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In Canada, Labour Day marks the end of the summer break and the start of another school year, but for some, it's a time to celebrate the country's rich football history. Johany Jutras, a sports and documentary photographer, has a new appreciation for the holiday after working on her coffee-table book, "Our League, Our Country," which chronicles the significance of the Canadian Football League across the country. As the book celebrates its 10th anniversary, Jutras reflects on the impact of the CFL on Canadian culture and the importance of its fans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian Football League has a rich history in Canada, with fans gathering on Labour Day to support their teams and celebrate the league's significance.
  • Johany Jutras's coffee-table book, "Our League, Our Country," provides a photographic tribute to Canadian football and its fans, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of each market.
  • The book includes contributions from sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league, offering a comprehensive look at the CFL's history and impact.
  • The commemorative 10th-anniversary edition features a new cover and includes a reflective foreword and afterword from Jutras.
  • Jutras's mandate was to provide a glimpse into each market's unique culture and traditions, showcasing the special moments that make the CFL what it is.
  • The book highlights the importance of Canadian football and its fans, particularly in cities like Winnipeg, Regina, Toronto, and Hamilton, where the sport has a significant following.
  • Jutras estimates that she took upwards of 2,000 frames per contest while shooting games in every CFL stadium, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of each market.
  • The book features contributions from CFL players, coaches, and fans, including quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell, Zach Collaros, and Trevor Harris, who have undergone significant changes over the past decade.

Statistics:

  • The anniversary edition of "Our League, Our Country" will be available in limited quantities of 500 copies.
  • The book is available online at a retail price of $69.99.
  • Jutras spent an estimated 2,000 frames per game shooting games in every CFL stadium.
  • The CFL operates across nine markets, each with its unique culture and traditions.
  • The book was first published in 2015, with a commemorative anniversary edition released in 2022.

Sources:

  • "Our League, Our Country" by Johany Jutras (published in 2015)
  • Johany Jutras (sports and documentary photographer and author)

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