Winnipeg 150 - Logo and Wordmark.
This logo was a privilege to create and an experience I will always cherish. I have included my speech which was used at the logo unveiling. It helps explain the logo and the meaning behind it:
"Tansi, boozhoo, The names I’ve been given are Circling Red Eagle, Horses Running on the Ground, four direction spirit, black bear man. My English name is Jordan Stranger. I am from the bear clan.
I’d like to say what an honour it is to be here today. I moved to Winnipeg in 2000 from Peguis First Nation. It was then that I explored the city, familiarizing myself with a world completely different from the bush. Either on my skateboard or bike, I road the streets and discovered the landmarks that make this city unique.
When I was asked to design the logo for Winnipeg’s 150th birthday, I was immediately excited to revisit that curiosity and sense of adventure I felt when I was a kid. I began the design with the familiar outline of Winnipegs border and the quilt of crops that make up the prairies.
The sun, snow and strong winds are naturally present, to represent the change of seasons that shaped the culture of the city.
The great North star is there to guide us all and to remind us that we are all star people.
The prairie crocus, the flower adorned on Winnipeg’s flag, carried over to this new chapter in our history.
The four trees to remind us of the seasons, the four directions and four stages of life.
As a part of remembrance and commitment, it was great to hear the city wanted to include a symbol of reconciliation, which you can see with the orange feet. They are accompanied by the sacred medicine of sage.
In the Sundance ceremony, I was taught that we lay sage in our sacred circle to walk with the spirits of the Buffalo—the Buffalo representing Respect in the seven teachings. This was especially important to include as we all have our own journey towards reconciliation. Sacred tobacco is also present as a symbol gratefulness as we walk into the next 150 years.
Another of Winnipeg’s distinguishing features are the red and Assiniboine rivers. Water is life and is the most sacred of all, but when unchecked it can be dangerous. It carries many teachings and the women of the world are its caretakers. You can see a woman’s profile in the design to represent their role.
Behind all of the elements we see the turtle shell sharing that turtle island story, one becoming increasingly familiar to all who inhabit it.
It’s with this artwork that I hope to mark this point in time, in recognition of those who came before us and in honour the path ahead. May we all find peace, respect and love and discover what this city means to each of us. Happy birthday, Winnipeg.
Ekosi. Miigwech. Thank you."
