The Story of the Logo
Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı means the people who speak for Thaidene Nëné in Dene yatı. Board members are appointed by the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Parks Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Following their appointment, these individuals no longer represent the parties that appointed them; they speak only for Thaidene Nëné.
While each government involved in the stewardship and operation of Thaidene Nëné has its own distinct visual identity, it was felt that there should be a separate logo that is representative of Thaidene Nëné and honours the role Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı plays in speaking for the land, the water, and the animals.
Like all its work, Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı’s approach to developing a logo focused on taking the time needed to make the right decision. Members felt strongly that this was important work and youth from the communities should be involved.
A call was put out for graphic designers and artists to work with Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı to create a logo. There was a strong response, with many firms and individuals excited to be part of this work. After considering the proposals, it was decided to bring together a local artist, Laney Beaulieu from Fort Resolution, and an established design firm, Kellett Communications from Yellowknife.
Taking inspiration from her own experience growing up on the land in and around Thaidene Nëné and with direction from Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı, Laney created a series of illustrations to inspire the graphic design team at Kellett Communications as they refined the logo.
While each government involved in the stewardship and operation of Thaidene Nëné has its own distinct visual identity, it was felt that there should be a separate logo that is representative of Thaidene Nëné and honours the role Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı plays in speaking for the land, the water, and the animals.
Like all its work, Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı’s approach to developing a logo focused on taking the time needed to make the right decision. Members felt strongly that this was important work and youth from the communities should be involved.
A call was put out for graphic designers and artists to work with Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı to create a logo. There was a strong response, with many firms and individuals excited to be part of this work. After considering the proposals, it was decided to bring together a local artist, Laney Beaulieu from Fort Resolution, and an established design firm, Kellett Communications from Yellowknife.
Taking inspiration from her own experience growing up on the land in and around Thaidene Nëné and with direction from Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı, Laney created a series of illustrations to inspire the graphic design team at Kellett Communications as they refined the logo.
One of Laney Beaulieu's drawings.
Finding a logo that captures all that is Thaidene Nëné is no easy task. Thaidene Nëné Xá Dá Yáłtı and the design team worked through many versions, exploring a wide variety of concepts and avenues, before arriving at the final design.
Featuring nı́ (land), tu (water), nîbálch’ú (tipi), and ɂetthën (caribou), the logo is a reminder of all that has sustained the Indigenous Peoples of this area and a promise to continue protecting the land, water, and animals on behalf of the ancestors, past, present and future.
Featuring nı́ (land), tu (water), nîbálch’ú (tipi), and ɂetthën (caribou), the logo is a reminder of all that has sustained the Indigenous Peoples of this area and a promise to continue protecting the land, water, and animals on behalf of the ancestors, past, present and future.
