First Nations Financial Management board - 2023-2024 corporate plan

Cover Design | Illustration

CALGARY BOARD OF EDUCATION - CONNECTING TO SPIRIT

Illustrations

The Calgary Board of Education reached out to commission illustrations that would resonate with their Indigenous learners for their Connecting to Spirit Framework. The Framework was Initially developed at Niitsitapi Learning Centre to address the need for a regulation framework that is culturally responsive in supporting their Indigenous learners.  The framework centres on interconnectedness and reflects deeper consideration of community, culture and above all, connecting to one’s spirit.  

There is an understanding that in order for students to learn, they need to feel safe and regulated. To support child development, the Connecting to Spirit Framework considers the holistic aspects of one's self, including the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental.  

Alberta Mentoring Partnership

Branding | Logo Design | Illustration

The Alberta Mentoring Partnership (AMP) is co-led by the Government of Alberta (Children’s Services and Education) and Boys & Girls Club Big Brothers (BGCBigs) of Edmonton and Area. Created in 2008, the partnership now consists of 170+ schools, agencies and builder partners including government ministries, government-funded organizations, Immigrant and Indigenous serving agencies, community youth serving agencies, schools and school authorities, faith organizations and service clubs. 

AMP requested a secondary logo redesign of their existing logo and brand assets that recognized the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of Alberta’s First Nations, Métis, & Inuit peoples with their commitment to Indigenous mentorship. We worked closely with AMP’s Indigenous engagement lead on the design of the symbol, and even took inspiration from her traditional beading designs.

Council of canadian academics

Cover Design | Illustration

CCA wanted an illustration for their report Waiting to Connect, that reflected the inequities in internet connectivity gap that is leaving rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in Canada behind the rest of the country. The report itself examines the systemic issues that have resulted in a persistent connectivity gap, and the promising practices and guiding principles that can help achieve universal and equitable connectivity.

women entrepreneurship knowledge hug

Cover Design | Illustration | Social Media | Web Site

WEHK requested an illustration for their report Mikwam Makwa Ikwe (Ice Bear Woman): A National Needs Analysis on Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship, that reflected the unique barriers in starting and growing their businesses, such as in accessing financing and mentorship. WEKH took part in a traditional pipe naming ceremony, lead by Elder Margaret Lavallee of Sagkeeng First Nation, gifting them - Mikwam Makwa Ikwe (Anishinaabe for Ice Bear Woman).

The final illustration needed to adhere to WEHK’s visual identity guide’s colour palette and report template. The illustration is composed of a woman standing alongside  the banks of a frozen lake. To the north is a landscape of mountains set against a sky filled by the northern lights.  The northern lights represent the north, the land of the bear. One teaching passed on from generation to generation is the belief that the bear’s powers includes healing, courage and strength.  It is said that  the bear’s healing power is the strongest when the northern lights dance in the sky. The mountains are representative of the many struggles and barriers that an Indigenous woman may face throughout her entrepreneurial journey. The woman, facing east, is looking forward to the future. The WEKH logo is providing light, guiding the woman on her  journey. The polar bear, looking to the west and the past, represents knowledge of tradition and culture, both protecting the woman on her journey and providing healing from the many struggles she may face. 

TakingITGlobal Future Pathways

Illustration | Web Site

TAkingItGlobal requested a digital illustration for their Future Pathways Fireside Chat. The illustration was to represent the artist Dana Khan (Jeffrey), an her works as a; dancer, performance artist and actress. The design incorporates Dana’s dance performance in MMIWG performance piece, Going Home Star: Truth and Reconciliation. Incorporating the forget me not flower, representing MMIWG and berries often used in ceremony.

Saskculture

Illustration | Web graphics

SaskCulture asked X-ing Design to create an illustration, banner, and social media profile image for their Indigenous Awareness Hub that outlines ways we can all join reconciliation efforts to Listen, Learn, Act and Honour. The design was rolled out on the inaugural National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. A day to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

orchestra canada

Illustration | Cover design

Orchestras Canada requested a cover design for their report - Re-sounding the Orchestra: Relationships between Canadian orchestras, Indigenous peoples, and people of colour. The report is the product of over twelve months’ research, and presents perspectives gathered through interviews and roundtable discussions with close to forty administrators, artistic directors, Indigenous musicians, and musicians of colour. The report concludes with a series of recommendations to Orchestras Canada that include actions, conversations and questions to help advance diversity and equity in Canadian orchestras.

Wellington County Child Care Services

Poster Design | Illustration