An alternative logo that roars

St. Vital

Glenlawn Collegiate has a new alternative logo.

Dionne Potapinski, the school’s principal, said a number of people came together to collaborate on the project.

“As principal of Glenlawn, I knew we needed a logo that finally reflected who we are, where we stand, and what we are striving to become.”

Potapinski said the logo, which was designed by Indigenous artist Chris Chipak, is emblematic of the school’s strong identity, and serves as visual representation that honours “the land we stand on, the students and families we serve, or the teachings that guide our work.”

“It was created because we needed a story that holds us accountable to our responsibilities as a school community,” she said.

Potapinski stressed that the new logo, which was seen by some of the school’s wider community for the first time at a recent band concert, is an alternative logo, and isn’t replacing the school’s existing one, and its use will be determined moving forward.

“We talked a lot with our students, and we chatted lots here, and once we connected with the artist, we started down a path. I talked with the artist, and he then told our story back to me, and we had a back-and-forth like that. It was a very collaborative process,” she said.

Stephanie Bartelette, a receptionist at the school, is also part of the story. Bartelette, who is of Méts and French descent, discovered her spirit name — Butterfly Woman — in later life.

“For many years, I couldn’t participate in the generational practices of my people,” she said, noting generational trauma and the impacts of residential schools were obstacles for her.

“Dionne was kind enough to involve me in this process,” Bartelette added, noting that the process of obtaining her spirit name came about during discussions with an elder.

“Butterflies have always been part of my childhood. They helped me cope with the death of my grandparents when I was young — and in my culture, they say it’s your elders coming back to protect you.”

Bartelette said she loves the new logo, and is proud that her input went into creating it.

“I had goosebumps when I first saw it. It’s really meaningful and beautiful,” she said.

Chipak, an Indigenous artist and illustrator who is a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation and lives in Saskatoon, is thrilled to have been part of the process.

“The school reached out to me, and I loved the idea of approaching this from an Indigenous perspective, as we’re talking about Treaty 1 territory,” Chipak said.

“At first, I had to find out what the school’s story is, and then the image starts moving during the creative process, and becomes fluid.”

“Once I had the idea of the river and the floral aspects, it kind of all started to come together. It’s a huge accomplishment for me … and I always approach something with authenticity, taking someone’s knowledge and passing it forward.”

Grade 10 student Lyra Nepinak-Pitchenese, a member of Louis Riel School Division Indigenous Youth Leadership group, loves the fact the school created a logo like this.

“It feels unique and meaningful instead of just looking like any other school design. I think it is a good acknowledgement of the land and the relationships it represents. At first it might appear a bit busy in its drawing, but once you hear the story behind it, you understand why every part matters and why it is worth telling. I also really like the non-colour (red) version just as much, if not more, because it lets the symbols speak for themselves,” Nepinak-Pitchenese said.