CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) held their 23rd Annual National Conference in Whitehorse, Yukon.CANDO is a national Aboriginal organization involved in community economic development. They build capacity which strengthens Aboriginal economies by providing programs and services to Economic Development Officers.
CANDO had originally held a logo contest asking local Yukon First Nation artists for submissions based on the conference theme “Partnership for Prosperity: Change, Collaboration & Opportunity”. CANDO in the end, didn’t get what they wanted from the contest (See why holding a logo contest is wrong) and were now in a situation where they needed one for their quickly approaching conference. This is where I was then contacted to help them produce a logo. After much discussion about their previous attempts at design, I spoke with the artist and together we produced a logo that reflected their exact needs.
Most of the work and research I do sometimes needs to be explained or given a rationale so that the client fully understands the meaning behind what we do, that it wasn’t simply splashed together to make something look pretty. Below is the rationale or thinking behind the logo for the conference.
Dakhl’awèdí (Eagle Clan) and Kùkhhittàn (Raven Child Clan) are two of many clans that the Yukon First Nation’s have. The Eagle, symbolizes grace, power, and has great intellectual abilities. The Eagle is a sacred, wise and noble creature representing power and prestige to the Yukon First Nation’s. The gift the eagle shares is the ability of foresight, and an indication of good times to come.
In many stories the Raven teaches us about life and right from wrong. The Raven symbolizes change in life, creativity, and humor. A key figure in Yukon First Nation’s legends, the Raven is involved in many creation stories and is also recognized as the bringer of light as it is said that the Raven released the sun and moon.
The Eagle is represented here by the panel to the left and the Raven is illustrated as he crosses the Yukon River. The mighty Yukon River is shown to reflect the history that Yukon First Nation’s people have with the land and the water. The Yukon River also represents the relationship that was built with other First Nation’s and “outsiders” or non-indigenous people as they established trade routes with them in partnership.
Throughout the history of the Yukon, it’s inhabitants have prospered by trading and working together. Only through collaboration and partnership have the people survived and thrived to build a Territory that is culturally rich and diverse.