In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we’d like to introduce the new logo of Saint Paul University’s Indigenous Centre.
The logo is named Kiniwet Mikanan, which means “Our Pathway” in the Algonquin language. It features a person canoeing across a lake, an image that is meant to represent the journey students embark upon in pursuit of their education.
In the text below, Georgette Whiteduck, Coordinator of the Indigenous Centre, breaks down the symbolism and rich meaning of the logo.
The first thing I’d like to point out is that the image has a border of braided sweetgrass. In the Algonquin culture, braided sweetgrass represents the interconnection of ancestors and future generations. It also represents the strength and support that we get from our community.
Next, are the seven diamonds, which represent the seven teachings. The seven teachings – love, respect, courage, truth, honesty, humility and wisdom – are the guiding principles for living a good and balanced life.
Looking at the canoe, you will see that it is cutting across the current. This symbolizes the student’s learning journey. Each wave is a hurdle and step that the student will meet and overcome along the way. And just as the individual keeps the canoe balanced with the oar, the Indigenous Centre is a resource to help guide and balance the student through their academic journey.
Finally, if you look closely at the horizon, you will see that there is a gap in the trees where the river continues, dividing the landscape in two. This represents Western ideology and Indigenous worldviews. Throughout their university career, the student navigates between these two worlds toward truth, knowledge and a brighter future.
