Anishinabe Nation Treaty Authority is honouring Francis Bird as they share their new Treaty logo.

The logo, finalized in 2021, was guided by Francis, who after ceremony and prayer about the logo contacted the office to share what he had seen – nature with trees and water.

He also provided a piece of paper with the word Kamamokamin, put the translation under it, and “said it means: Do this together. He said it means we are working together on this project, walking side-by-side with each nation and it displays our unity,” said a press release from the Anishinabe Nation Treaty Authority (ANTA).

Francis grew up in the bush in Hudson Bay, Peepaw area and worked in the bush most of his life. His traditional name was Gihmownihbihnace, he was a ceremonialist and carried his grandfathers and uncles’ ceremonial lodges.

With that history, and knowledge of his culture and language, Francis’ ideas lead to the office contacting a First Nations graphic artist who started pulling the elements together to develop the ANTA logo.

The final version shows Saskatchewan trees, spruce and tamarack, Saskatchewan animals beaver, moose, and fish, symbolizes Treaties through pictures as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.

ANTA says the insight from Francis Bird was the most important part of bringing the Treaty logo to life and “we can’t thank him enough.”

Francis Bird passed this summer, so ANTA is looking to honour his contributions by sharing this story and giving him credit for his hard work developing the Treaty logo

“His words and guidance will always be with Anishinabe Nation Treaty Authority…Mikwec Gihmownihbihnace, your encouragement and guidance will always be with us.”

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is grateful to the Anishinabe Nation Treaty Authority for sharing the story. We honour Francis Bird alongside the community as we celebrate their new logo.