SFU Indigenous Studies reveals new logo

We are excited to share our new logo reflecting our name change from First Nations Studies (FNST) to Indigenous Studies (INDG). "Indigenous is a more inclusive term that includes Inuit, and Métis as well as First Nations people and further resonates with global efforts to recognize Indigenous rights," explains INDG Chair, Dr. Deanna Reder. 

We are retiring our First Nations Studies logo Kaagan Jaad, or mouse woman. “She has represented us well and given us a unique identity within the university,” says Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn. The mouse woman is a small and unassuming yet powerful being that appears in Haida oral stories. Both intuitive and kind, she helps people on their journeys and in their interactions with supernatural beings. She often acts as an advisor to those who cross territories and venture into unknown terrain. The mouse woman logo was designed by Haida artist, Juanita Ens. 

Our new logo is designed by Aaron Nelson-Moody from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) First Nation and Ocean Hyland from the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.

Aaron Nelson-Moody has dedicated his artistic career to revitalizing the Squamish and Coast Salish artistic tradition. He has been woodcarving since 1996, having apprenticed with Xwalacktun, and have worked on flat panels, totem poles and houseposts, as well as smaller pieces in a variety of woods. Ocean Hyland is an artist and activist who gained international attention from her Teen Vogue published her op-ed about participating in Protect the Inlet, the Indigenous-led movement against the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. 

The new Indigenous Studies (INDG) logo features a thunderbird and a wolf, important creatures to the local and international Indigenous communities. 

Please check out the video above featuring INDG faculty members speaking about the meaning and development behind our new logo. We are also grateful of Chief Ron Ignace (Secwepemc) and Dr. Marianne Ignace for sharing a traditional wolf story and its teachings.