We are very excited to announce that the BC NEIHR logo has been created! The logo design was created by Indigenous artist Margaret August. This is the story behind the image. The three Salmon in the logo represent our three key partners: First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC). These community-led organizations are leading BC NEIHR health and wellness research initiatives across BC. This logo also represents the land and water-based practices of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. While traditions are connected to our diverse cultures, we acknowledge and celebrate our common and enduring relationships to the land and waters. Salmon represent a source of strength and wisdom; despite strong currents, they always return to the place of creation. Coming full circle, Salmon finish what they begin, bringing cycles to closure.
Artist Margaret August is a Two-Spirited, Coast Salish artist from Shíshálh Nation. Margaret was born in 1983 in the traditional unceded WSÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən territories. This is also where she has been building her skills as a professional artist. Margaret’s work is inspired by her ancestral teachings and encounters with nature. Margaret originally began developing her artistic talents at an early age. She carried on with her visual art practice as she became an adult. Some of her artistic influences include renowned artists such as Susan Point, Mark Preston, and Butch Dick. Margaret has been showing work in group art shows since 2011, by taking the necessary time to grow as an artist while developing her own style, and in her business skills. In 2019, Margaret started working with further training under the guidance and mentorship of fellow Coast Salish Artist, Dylan Thomas to sharpen her skill set towards advancing the foundation in the nuances of Salish art design. This has led to creating art in multiple mediums such as serigraph/giclee prints, glass and cedar sandblasted pieces. Now, she is learning how to carve on wood. Margaret is committed to her art practice as she believes it is her life’s purpose.
For more info you can check Margaret out on Facebook, at Margaret August Art, or www.margaretaugust.com
