Our Story, Our Logo.
The Mamawi Project has always been about coming together to strengthen relationships, elevating the voices and leadership of Métis youth, and sharing and learning with each other. The origin story of our collective, maybe not so different from the early organizing of our ancestors, started organically and humbly through conversation and hope for something different.
We’re excited to share our new logo and the story of what it means to us. The concept of kîyokêwin (visiting) has preoccupied our collective for sometime. At a gathering we hosted in 2019, Métis Elder Maria Campbell spoke to us about the importance of visiting as an act of decolonial future building, a process that has always been important to us as Métis people and one that is critical to putting the pieces of our Nation back together. Visiting can be a tool for responsible governance, for mobilizing knowledge, and even an entry point for radical care and nourishing kinship.
The Teacup is a manifestation of visiting that can be held in our hands. It warms us, both inside and out, as we share stories, have difficult conversations, cry, and laugh with each other, our Elders, and our ancestors. It is over a cup of tea (we’ll stay out of the Red Rose — Tetley debate) that we learn, remember, and share who we are.
Saskatoon Berries were included in the logo to remind us of our responsibilities to land and how it sustains us. Most of our work and relationships are carried out through virtual spaces but it is the actual lands and waters of our Homeland that keep us grounded. We believe that new technologies like social media are not a replacement for physical lands, but represent waterways and possibilities for being in relation to them.
Cedar branches represent the healing work that needs to continue as we work toward healthier futures for our people. Harvested in some parts of our Homeland, cedar is a medicine often used in ceremony and as a remedy for certain types of sickness. Capitalism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, anti-Black racism and other oppressive power structures are threats to the well-being of our Nation. We are passionate about using our gifts as medicines for addressing these violent social and political sicknesses.
The Wild Rose reminds us that despite our challenges and ongoing struggles, our people carry so much beautiful strength. We believe that Métis young people are playing a critical role in nation building, and like the wild rose pedals are applying their gifts side by side one another to form powerful connections of resurgence and kinship — oh, and it wouldn’t be Métis if there weren’t florals!
Thank you to Jordan Skipper (@buffalohyde_graphics) for all his help designing the logo.
