Logo

Our holistic integrated approach to issues affecting children is reflected in our logo Two thunderbirds in flight, protecting male and female ancestral figures. It was designed and gifted to IICRD by a young Coast Salish woman; Rita George Greene.

Understanding the Symbolism:

Yellow Sunshine at the Centre represent Songs and Prayers

Top Red Figure is a stylized female figure taken from a pre-contact Coast Salish Box drum.  Red represents the femine, healing and balance while black supports her thought and speaking processes. She carries both colours to ensure the sacred balance of  male and female energy and helps to maintain balance with her traditions, ancestors, the Creator and the community.

Bottom Black Figure is a stylized Male Figure, also taken from a pre-contact Coast Salish Box Drum.  Black signifies male energy with red across his forehead and mouth to ensure that his thinking and speaking functions carry both male and female entities. Both of these colours/sacred energies are applied to ensure that any ritual activities he undertakes is in balance with the ancestors, the creator and his community.  The white markings represent purity and innocence and are applied to the male figure to soften his great strength.

Blue Outer Circle represents the Creators gifts’ associated with the sky; the morning sun, the birds and supernatural beings.

Outer Green Circle: Represents the creators’ gifts associated with the home of all animals and places where sacred spots, places of power have been made available.

Red Thunderbird speaks to ritual ceremonies associated with transformation and change.  It is during these periods of change that the old people speak about being prepared and being ready to move as a community.  The red thunderbird honours natural and supernatural beings associated with healing and female energy (both physical and spriritual).  The red thunderbird, sacred to many First Nations, also carries energies associated with black and the power of men and purity.

Black Thunderbird speaks to change and is accelerated by the old people's knowledge of songs and ceremonies, to protect the weak, vulnerable and the community.  It honours natural and supernatural beings associated with strength and male energy (both physical and spiritual).  As with all sacred ceremonies/entities/teachings, the black thunderbird is softened with the colours of red and white.

All of these tradtitional teachings come together to symbolize how children are supported by the ancestors and our traditional culture. It reminds us that we have the support of the thunderbirds to transform our communities and services to support all children to become great leaders - walking in balance and harmony.