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• Western Engineering unveils Indigenous Engineering logo to celebrate diversity and reconciliation

Western Engineering unveils Indigenous Engineering logo to celebrate diversity and reconciliation

Western Engineering Indigenous Logo (Hawlii Pichette). The depiction of the Iron Ring is the exclusive trademark of the Corporation of the Seven Wardens Inc.

In a move toward inclusivity and cultural recognition, Western Engineering has introduced an Indigenous Engineering Logo, symbolizing the faculty's commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections with Indigenous communities.   The logo, which integrates natural elements and core engineering disciplines, is the product of thoughtful collaboration between Elder Liz Akiwenzie from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Western Engineering and designer, Hawlii Pichette.

Arielle Bressette, former Indigenous recruitment coordinator at Western Engineering from the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, shares the inspiration behind the project. “The creation of this logo stems from our commitment to advancing decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation as outlined in both Western University's Strategic Plan: Toward Western at 150 and Western Engineering's Strategic Plan: Engineering Impact,” she explains. “Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, particularly those addressing education and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, is not just a responsibility but a necessary step in fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.”

The Indigenous Engineering Logo is rich with meaning, reflecting the deep ties between engineering principles and the natural world. A blazing fire at the centre of the logo, surrounded by three trees– a birch, pine, and spruce –represents the three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nation, Métis and Inuit. The fire symbolizes the dynamic nature of Electrical Engineering, while the swirling winds, flowing water and solid earth embody the disciplines of Mechanical, Chemical and Civil Engineering, respectively.

Speaking on the collaborative process, Bressette highlights the essential role of the Indigenization of the Faculty Working Group at Western Engineering, which she co-leads with Dennis Michaelson, a Métis/ Cree assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Working Group, a collective of dedicated engineering staff and faculty, has been instrumental in advancing Truth and Reconciliation initiatives within the Faculty of Engineering and was key in shaping the logo's final design.

“Through our meetings, the idea to connect the four core engineering disciplines with the four earth elements emerged, reflecting a harmony between traditional Indigenous knowledge and modern engineering principles. This collaborative process ensured that the logo is not just a visual marker but a meaningful representation of our shared values and aspirations,” Bressette explains.

Akiwenzie, who provided cultural and spiritual guidance during the design process, sees the logo as a powerful reminder of Indigenous teachings. “Fire represents the spirit with us,” she said. “The trees represent being rooted in our culture and our interconnectedness to Mother Earth, [which] remind us of the purification of the air we breathe in the creator’s life within us."

Akiwenzie hopes that the logo will inspire reflection in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. “I hope to keep all human beings awake to the respect, love and light that our original mother, the Earth, gives to creation,” she says. “It will remind us to honour our ancestors and our relatives who help us reconnect to our natural ways of living and knowing the elements of creation that sustain our life as human beings.”

The logo's introduction is a significant step forward in Western Engineering's journey to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into its academic environment.

Bressette hopes the logo will serve as “a visual testament to our ongoing journey toward decolonizing and indigenizing our academic and cultural landscape.”

“This logo symbolizes a bridge between Western's engineering education and Indigenous perspectives, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples to engineering and the sciences,” Bressette concludes. “I hope that it will inspire students, staff, faculty and the broader community to engage more deeply with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, fostering a sense of respect, inclusion and shared responsibility in building a more equitable future.”

Through the Indigenous Engineering Logo, Western Engineering celebrates the harmony between tradition and modernity, recognizing the importance of balance, respect and interconnectedness in both the natural world and the academic sphere. The logo is a reminder of the shared responsibility to honour the earth and the diverse communities that shape the future of engineering and beyond.